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It's about Time - (Princeton Science Library) by N David Mermin (Paperback)

It's about Time - (Princeton Science Library) by  N David Mermin (Paperback) - 1 of 1
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About this item

Highlights

  • A readable and entertaining look at how Einstein's special theory of relativity gives us a new understanding of the nature of timeRelativity ought to be an important part of everyone's education.
  • About the Author: N. David Mermin is the Horace White Professor of Physics Emeritus at Cornell University.
  • 208 Pages
  • Science, Physics
  • Series Name: Princeton Science Library

Description



Book Synopsis



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.



From the Back Cover



"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



Review Quotes




It's About Time is a book that should join the very best systematic popular expositions of science written in the last 50 years.---Peter L. Galison, American Scientist

An excellent book on Einstein's special theory of relativity. . . . I clearly see the strength of this book in lucid, self-contained, lively, down-to-earth, and meticulous presentation. . . . I have no hesitation in saying that this is the best book on the special theory of relativity at a semi-popular level I have ever read.---K. S. Birbhadra, The Observatory

In this highly readable book, Mermin argues that a working knowledge of relativity requires no more than basic algebra and geometry. He makes a valid point. Special relativity is more fundamental, up-to-date and accurate than Newtonian physics, and Einstein's presence in the classroom may inspire the most uninterested student.---Amanda Gefter, New Scientist

Mermin has taught relativity for 40 years and has clearly thought about the best way to teach the subject. It's About Time offers a serious, yet accessible approach to relativity.---Kara shane Colley, MAA Reviews

Mermin's premise is that everyone should know about relativity in order to understand the real nature of time. . . . What is remarkable in his approach is his reliance on developing the reader's skills to analyze events in more than one frame of reference. This is the key to understanding relativity: being able to translate with ease from one frame of reference (a moving train) to another (a station).---Simon Mitton, Times Higher Education Supplement

Requiring nothing more than a basic understanding of algebra, [this book] provides the clearest and most insightful treatment of special relativity I've ever encountered. . . . It's About Time brings the practice and foundation of physics together through the question of time.---Arkady Plotnitsky, Foundations of Physics

The reader will find some of the best non-technical description of the special theory of relativity ever written.---Jaume J. Carot, Mathematical Reviews

There's a profound difference between knowing about something, and knowing it, and Mermin succeeds at instilling the latter.---Gilbert Taylor, Booklist

This is a book full of insight with an engaging style. I recommend it to anyone who has to teach the subject to either [non scientists or undergraduate and graduate students]: it's a brilliant basis for a set of lecture notes.---Derek Raine, Nature

What makes the book as a whole so enjoyable to read is the steady pace at which the subject unfolds. The author spends as much time on each idea as he considers necessary. . . . Nowhere is the book too intense, and the learning curve for readers has a fairly constant slope. . . . David Mermin [is] a master teacher at work--and instructors will almost certainly include some of the ideas in their own teaching.---Nigel Dowrick, Physics Today



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.
Dimensions (Overall): 8.4 Inches (H) x 5.4 Inches (W) x .5 Inches (D)
Weight: .55 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 208
Genre: Science
Sub-Genre: Physics
Series Title: Princeton Science Library
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Format: Paperback
Author: N David Mermin
Language: English
Street Date: March 9, 2021
TCIN: 83795445
UPC: 9780691218779
Item Number (DPCI): 247-02-9513
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.5 inches length x 5.4 inches width x 8.4 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.55 pounds
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