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"David Mermin's new book is a gem. Requiring nothing more than a basic understanding of algebra, it provides the clearest and most insightful treatment of special relativity I've ever encountered. Students new to special relativity should learn it from this text; those already familiar with the subject should read this book to enhance their understanding and (of equal importance) to experience the craft of a master teacher."
--Brian Greene, Columbia University"This book includes material that is intellectually innovative and comes as a surprise even to specialists in the field. Its uniqueness, its insights, and its wonderful style will likely make it a classic."
--Richard Price, University of Utah"Well-written, chatty and engaging, this book will be accessible to scientists and non-scientists alike."
--Robert Geroch, University of Chicago"The reader who works through this book carefully will have quite a good understanding of what special relativity is all about. It offers a fresh approach to the subject."
--Michael Strauss, Princeton University
About the author
N. David Mermin is the Horace White Professor of Physics Emeritus at Cornell University. His books include
Boojums All the Way Through and
Why Quark Rhymes with Pork.
Summary
A readable and entertaining look at how Einstein’s special theory of relativity gives us a new understanding of the nature of time
Relativity ought to be an important part of everyone's education. Its subject is time, with which we all think we are familiar. Einstein's special theory of relativity reveals that some of our most intuitive notions about time are shockingly wrong. This clear, lively, and informal exposition of special relativity takes a highly original approach to introduce readers to the true nature of time. It is accessible to anyone who remembers a little high school algebra and elementary geometry. It’s About Time offers deep insights to curious readers who have no technical scientific background.
