Choice Review

Despite its subtitle, Callahan's book is really about the mathematics of relativity theory rather than the physical basis of the theory. His approach is to begin by introducing Minkowski space-time and then move onto a discussion of how it underlies electromagnetic theory and how it conflicts with Newtonian mechanics. Next, he introduces gravitation and shows how Minkowski space-time must be modified if the theory is to accommodate gravity. Undergraduate mathematics students will feel comfortable with this book because in some sections Callahan (Smith College) proceeds from theorem to theorem. This results in an unusual, mixed approach that some will find quite sensible. The book is written in a clear and readable fashion for the advanced undergraduate student. There are some exercises for practice, although not enough to be used as the exclusive text in a "relativity for mathematicians" course. Libraries will find this a useful addition to their mathematics collection. They should also have the original papers, which can be found on their shelves in The Principle of Relativity, by H.A. Lorentz, A. Einstein, H. Minkowski, and H. Weyl (Dover, 1952). Upper-division undergraduates and up. A. Spero; University of California, Lawrence Livermore National