Chow introduces the mathematical methods essential to understanding
and applying general relativity--tensor calculus, some differential
geometry, etc.--but leaves to more advanced references derivations that
a beginning student would likely find overly long and tedious. The book
employs standard tensor analysis--which requires only basic calculus
for its understanding--and resists the temptation to adopt more
powerful mathematical formalisms (like exterior calculus and
differential forms) used by researchers in the field. In this way, the
student can concentrate on learning
physics--and not be distracted by
the complexities of unfamiliar mathematical methods. The
book also offers comprehensive discussion of the physics of black
holes. The author hits just the right level of presentation: sufficient
mathematical detail to demonstrate or make plausible the physical
attributes of black holes - in contrast to "hand-waving" discussions
found in popularizations of the subject - yet not so much mathematics
as to lose track of the physics in an impenetrable forest of equations.
An equally strong point is the author''s discussion of the most exciting
contemporary issues in astrophysics apart from black holes: recent
measurements of the cosmic microwave background, the existence of the
cosmological constant, dark matter, dark energy and the accelerated
expansion of the universe. The final chapters on unification and
inflation are also very well done and not generally found in other
introductory treatments of general relativity. In sum,
the book is highly informative and has a user-friendly style, which
should make it an attractive choice for teachers and students.
More reviews about the Gravity, Black Holes, and the Very Early Universe: An Introduction to General Relativity and Cosmolo