Book Description
This classic book is essential reading for all those interested in the development of modern physics.

Sir Arthur Eddington's account of the general theory of relativity, 'without, ' as he says in his preface, 'introducing anything very technical in the way of mathematics, physics or philosophy', was first published in the exciting days of 1920 soon after the first objective tests of the theory had demonstrated its validity. The book was at once received with acclamation by reviewers and remains today one of the simplest and most straightforward accounts in print. The reviewer in the Athenaeum described it as a 'masterly book. The arrangement, the vigour and ease of reasoning, the felicity of illustration, the clear, flexible prose and (we must mention it) the wit, make this book one of the most adequate and engaging attempts at the non-technical exposition of a scientific theory that it has ever been our good fortune to encounter.'

The reissue includes a foreword by Sir Hermann Bondi, FRS, giving a brief appraisal of the book, and placing it in its historical and scientific context. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A time piece
Very clear, straightforward presentation of GR in the spirit of Einstein and also Schrödinger, easy to read. But also too easy to miss the main points of the physics/geometry (see Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler) while becoming an expert at manipulating tensors in general coordinate systems. Very nice presentation of parallel transport and Weyl's formulation of gauge transformations. Better, more recent treatments using awareness of Lie algebras show the connection of curvature with noncommuting translations/operators, and emphasize the importance of relativistic invariance and local coordinate systems (physics). Einstein wrote of general covariance as if it would be a physical principle (it isn't), and this confusion wasn't cleared up for a long time.

Great learning fromone of the greatest of modern astronome
First off, this is the guy who made the famous remark when he was asked "Is it true you are among the three people who understand relativity" and he responded, "I wonder who is the third!". The Astronomer Royal, Eddington was counted on as a very good mathematician by even mathematicians (Hardy for instance) and an even better physicist. He was embroiled (now legend) with Chandrasekhar in the thirties on the quantum mechanics of dying stars. Chandra worked extensively with Eddington and described his writing style in glowing terms.

When he writes, you don't get the feeling of pomp in his style, considering his stature. On the contrary his style is very engaging and leaves you impressed! His mathematical treatment to the relativity is even more accessible!

Fantastic Book!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Thorough, well-written, and ground-breaking
This is the first work I've read by Matthew Stanley - he is insightful and thorough, using Eddington as a focus for delving into the hot topic of science and religion.The book is extremely well-written, and clear enough for the lay reader to understand.I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the interaction of science and religion. ... Read more

Book Description
Long out of print, this classic book investigates the experimental determination of one of the fundamental constants of astrophysics and its significance for astronmy.The Expanding Universeoffers a unique sidelight on the history of ideas and Eddington's artistry; his evident enjoyment of writing and exposition shine through. Astrophysicists and historians of science will find that this reissue sheds fascinating light on one of Britain's greatest scientists. Sir William McCrea has supplied the Preface. ... Read more

Book Description
1929. The course of Gifford Lectures that Eddington delivered in the University of Edinburgh in January to March 1927. It treats of the philosophical outcome of the great changes of scientific thought which have recently come about. The theory of relativity and the quantum theory have led to strange new conceptions of the physical world; the progress of the principles of thermodynamics has wrought more gradual but no less profound change. The first eleven chapters are for the most part occupied with the new physical theories, with the reasons which have led to their adoption, and especially with the conceptions which seem to underlie them. The aim is to make clear the scientific view of the world as it stands at the present day, and, where it is incomplete, to judge the direction in which modern ideas appear to be tending. In the last four chapters I consider the position which this scientific view should occupy in relation to the wider aspects of human experience, including religion. Contents: The Downfall of Classical Physics; Relativity; Time; The Running-Down of the Universe; Becoming; Gravitation-the Law; Gravitation-the Explanation; Man's Place in the Universe; The Quantum Theory; The New Quantum Theory; World Building; Pointer Readings; Reality; Causation; and Science and Mysticism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Meaning Behind the Mathematical Symbols
This is an extremely good book that contains a series of lectures delivered to lay audience by this great physicist. It reveals the deep meaning behind the mathematical symbols and equations in modern physics. It's incomparable in this regard. The book is very easy to understand. The writing flows smoothly and beautifully. Great metaphors comes out effortlessly, one after another. It is very enjoyable reading.

good book!
This book started me on physics, way way back. I wish it were in print gain. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document, covering the life and work of Arthur Stanley Eddington, is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thompson Gale. The length of the entry is 3022 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author