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Michael Berry

Principles of cosmology and gravitation

Principles of cosmology and gravitation by Michael V Berry is a short undergraduate textbook which was originally published in 1976. A new edition was published in 1989, but with minimal changes, so by now the book is looking somewhat dated - it doesn't deal with inflation for instance. But it would still be useful as an introduction to cosmology as it shows that many calculations can be carried out using mathematics which isn't too challenging for a science undergraduate - it doesn't venture into tensor calculus.

The book starts by looking at how cosmological distances are measured (Unfortunately it suffers from the usual Hubble sphere/particle horizon confusion.). Berry goes on to look at why general relativity is necessary for the study of gravitation, and this is followed by an introduction to general relativistic mathematics, leading to the Schwarzchild solution and so black holes. The later part of the book looks at topics in cosmology, with chapters on the kinematics and dynamics of cosmological models, finishing with a chapter on topics such as the CMBR and the development of inhomegeneities in the universe. If you want a cosmology book where it is fairly straightforward to work through the mathematics, and aren't too bothered by the lack of modern topics, then you could give this book a try.

Amazon.com info
Paperback 179 pages  
ISBN: 0852740379
Salesrank: 1158230
Weight:0.75 lbs
Published: 1989 Taylor & Francis
Amazon price $43.54
Marketplace:New from $43.54:Used from $4.69
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Amazon.co.uk info
Paperback 179 pages  
ISBN: 0852740379
Salesrank: 268287
Weight:0.75 lbs
Published: 1989 CRC Press
Amazon price £24.69
Marketplace:New from £20.72:Used from £12.95
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Amazon.ca info
Paperback 179 pages  
ISBN: 0852740379
Salesrank: 517278
Weight:0.75 lbs
Published: 1989 Taylor & Francis
Amazon price CDN$ 33.28
Marketplace:New from CDN$ 33.28:Used from CDN$ 35.39
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Product Description
General relativity and quantum mechanics have become the two central pillars of theoretical physics. Moreover, general relativity has important applications in astrophysics and high-energy particle physics. Covering the fundamentals of the subject, Principles of Cosmology and Gravitation describes the universe as revealed by observations and presents a theoretical framework to enable important cosmological formulae to be derived and numerical calculations performed. Avoiding elaborate formal discussions, the book presents a practical approach that focuses on the general theory of relativity. It examines different evolutionary models and the gravitational effects of massive bodies. The book also includes a large number of worked examples and problems, half with solutions.
 
The minimum general relativity everyone should know-- and can! *****
This book doesn't seem as well known as it should be. I think it gets lost between some famous special relativity books on the one side and standard advanced texts on the other. But it's really a uniquely tight, transparent, thoughtful piece of teaching.

The unique position of this book is it succeeds as an introduction to general relativity and cosmology that is *fully honest*-- eg, quantitative-- and at the same time understandable at the undergraduate level. The typical drill of a standard text is to first inculcate you with very general (and abstract) tensor math power tools, and then to clothe ("hide"?) the physics in that. This book, on the other hand, demonstrates the surprising amount of low hanging fruit that you can satisfyingly consume before or without all that. Put the general case aside for the moment, and look at some basic cases, straight-on. It is satisfying because those simple models apply to some systems you will probably care about. Eg, the fabric of the entire universe as a whole, for one-- that's the "cosmology" part. There is a lot of fundamental intuition that becomes transparent, and which you will probably retain because it is simple and specific.

The only minuses: I wish it were cheaper (not that the teaching isn't worth it). I also wish for an update: It would make a really interesting read to apply the basics to recent observations, like the "accelerating universe" problem (or is it just a layer of cosmological smog between us and them dim supernovas?...). However, the cosmological constant: it's there. So this book is absolutely the straightest, shortest path to bringing any curious reader up to speed on fully enjoying cosmological sightings in the news.
 
Excellent introduction to the subject *****
Berry's book is definately one of the more accessible yet rigourous treatments of this fascinating subject.

It assumes a sound knowledge of Special Relativity and a good command of Calculus, Differential Equations and Vector Algebra, but without the onerous use of tensors and as such it is a serious book for the Physics student rather than a popular presentation of science.

All of the fundamentals are covered here: an outline of cosmography, distance and velocity measurements, the rationale for General Relativity based on a critical assessment of the shortcomings of both the Newtonian model and Special Relativity, the Principle of Equivalence, Curved Space-time, geodesics, Gravitational Waves, Black holes, and Cosmic models.

The author makes excellent use of diagrams and the discussion of the physical principles is balanced by a careful presentation of the mathematics.

A highly recommended book!

 
Excellent but dense. *****
This was an excellent book. We used it in my intro course for Astrophysics. This book is not a "pop-culture" overview of the expanding universe, but rather explores the mathematical and physical explanation for the structure and state of the universe. Expect to spend a fair bit of time on each page, and each paragraph. Though straight forward writing and math, the ideas and implications are mind bending.

It is quite difficult to think on the scale of the universe, but this book boils it down to the relevant observations we can make and the equations that might explain them.

This became my Cosmological Bible.


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