A Relatively Painless Guide to Special Relativity

"“Introducing students in small, careful steps toward an understanding of the notation and physics behind special relativity has not been undertaken at this level since the text by Taylor and Wheeler from thirty years ago. Goldberg’s approach of encouraging the reader to see the simplicity behind the seemingly complex is welcome.” -- Christopher G. Tully, author of ""Elementary Particle Physics in a Nutshell"" “This engaging book will shape the education of a generation of physicists and astrophysicists. It defines the conceptual and mathematical stage—spacetime—on which physics is performed. From contemporary notation in the early chapters to sophisticated applications in the late chapters, Goldberg's book will not only propel students to more advanced classes, it will ease their entry into research.” -- Daniel Fabrycky, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Chicago “Goldberg slings the reader straight in at the deep end . . . but with enough masterly wit to keep you afloat.” * Nature, on ""The Universe in the Rearview Mirror"" * “Reading this book is like taking a class with the most awesome science professor ever.” -- Annalee Newitz, founding editor of io9, on ""The Universe in the Rearview Mirror"" “Most physics books can’t really be described as ‘rollicking,’ but most physics books aren't written by Dave Goldberg.” -- Sean Carroll, theoretical physicist at Caltech, author of ""The Particle at the End of the Universe,"" on ""The Universe in the Rearview Mirror"""