Written for the undergraduate student, this unusually lucid volume presents the geometry of space-time in a manner that demonstrates the connection of special relativity with synthetic geometry and, in turn, its relation to projective geometry. Chapter topics feature the notion of timetables as elementary representations of space-time, the role of reflections, Einstein's theory of relativity, relativity theory and paradoxes, elementary metric properties of the Minkowski geometry compared to Euclidean analogs, and the Cayley-Klein geometries. The volume is illustrated throughout; the formal background to the math is contained in appendices. Liebscher teaches physics at the Astrophysical Institute in Potsdam, Germany. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
A description of the geometry of space-time with all the questions and issues explained without the need for formulas. As such, the author shows that this is indeed geometry, with actual constructions familiar from Euclidean geometry, and which allow exact demonstrations and proofs. The formal mathematics behind these constructions is provided in the appendices.
The result is thus not a textbook introducing readers to the theory of special relativity so they may calculate formally, but rather aims to show the connection with synthetic geometry. It presents the relation to projective geometry and uses this to illustrate the starting points of general relativity. Written at an introductory level for undergraduates, this novel presentation will also benefit teaching staff.
