Author(s): Tony Hey (Author), Patrick Walters (Author)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication Date: 31 July 1997
Edition: First Edition
Language: English
Print length: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 0521435048
ISBN-13: 9780521435048
Book Description
Einstein’s Mirror is a book on relativity with a difference. Following the successful format of their earlier book, The Quantum Universe, the authors blend a simple, non-mathematical account of the underlying theory of special relativity and gravitation with a description of the way these theories have been triumphantly supported by experiment. Applications of relativity in atomic and nuclear physics are wide-ranging, from satellite navigation systems, particle accelerators and nuclear power to quantum chemistry, anti-matter and black holes. The text is enlivened by a superb collection of photographs and by amusing anecdotes about the early pioneers. The closing chapter examines the influence of Einstein’s relativity on the development of science fiction. Final year students at school, general readers with an interest in science, and undergraduates in science subjects will all enjoy and benefit from this fascinating and accessible introduction to one of the most profound scientific discoveries of the twentieth century.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘Einstein’s Mirror is the companion volume to Hey and Walter’s The Quantum Universe, which highlights quantum theory, that other great revolution in 20th-century physics. The new volume uses the same highly successful recipe, blending solid explanation, historical colour and copious illustrations into a highly attractive package.’ Marcus Chown, New Scientist
‘… will be high on the reading lists of university and advanced high-school students and general readers with an interest in science … an excellent introduction to the implications and applications of relativity.’ Frank Close, Nature
‘Your reviewer gained much pleasure from this book and anticipates that students also will enjoy it. Its entertaining outline of recent developments might well encourage younger readers to pursue Modern Physics at a higher level. It is hence very highly recommended.’ Ron Cox, SSR
‘The book is well illustrated with portraits, rarely seen photographs, historical engravings, informative diagrams and humorous cartoons, a few in colour. Readership will undoubtedly extend from the general reader to the science undergraduate, and will be welcomed by those interested in the history of science. Einstein’s Mirror is unreservedly recommended, especially to secondary schools and public libraries.’ Irish Astronomical Journal
‘ … an extremely pleasant surprise … its rare to find such a well written book, and I heartily recommend this to anyone who has had a passing interest (or even a whole career!) in relativity’. Astronomy Now
Book Description
Lavishly illustrated, fascinating and accessible introduction to Einstein’s relativity for general readers, school students and undergraduates.
About the Author
Tony Hey is Vice President of Microsoft Research and has published over 150 research papers on particle physics, computer science and multi-disciplinary eScience. He is the co-author, with Ian Aitchison, of the graduate textbook Gauge Theories in Particle Physics (4th edition) and co-editor of Richard Feynman’s Lectures on Computation. He is also co-author of popular science books on quantum mechanics and relativity, The New Quantum Universe and Einstein’s Mirror. Most recently, he co-edited The Fourth Paradigm, a book about eScience and the new era of data-intensive science.
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