A Short Course in General Relativity

I like this book because it has the best elementary introduction to the mathematics of general relativity. It starts out with simple multivariable calculus and geometric notions about vectors. It then explains the ideas of the natural basis and the dual basis, first in a plane and then on a manifold, with very helpful figures. With too many other books it is possible in a first exposure to completely miss the point of these ideas, which really are pretty simple when you come right down to it. It is true that the physical motivation and meaning of general relativity are not treated in that much depth, but these can be picked up from other sources. In my view it is the mathematics that is the most intimidating thing about general relativity -- the physical ideas are exhilirating and natural by comparison!

A truly great introduction to GR. If anything, it quickly puts you into the fold of doing the mathematics (and physics ) of GR. Not too many applications are discussed, which is a PLUS in this case. Many times, the mathematics and the physics can be overwhelming. This books helps lessen this considerably.It's also a good pre-study to Schultz. Schultz is also an excellent book, but Foster's focuses on the immediate `necessities'. Great for a first course in general relativity, or for the self learner who wants to see what's up with GR (of course vector calculus is assumed, but not too much more).

If you are looking for a solid introduction to GR in under 250 pages, this is clearly the book for you. Its size can be deceiving, since it covers all the traditional background to GR, and does it well. The authors have managed to do this by introducing very few applications of GR. This, in my opinion, is a positive attribute, as it focuses on the actual machinery of relativity and gives a few basic applications (black holes, gravitational waves) that whet one's appetite for more. Plus it includes numerous exercises with solutions. Overall a great little book.

This is one gem of a book! It's paced extremely well--the authors managed to write a book which is neither cryptic from lack of detail nor cumbersome with too much detail. It strikes me as the perfect self study book for a physics or mathematics student.You won't find the ramblings of 'The Phone Book', nor will you find the obfuscated discussions in Wald. If you like David Griffiths' friendly and breezy writing style, you'll love this book.Don't let its size fool you. While the book is short in pages, it manages to cover most of what Schutz's book covers (another great book) and in many cases, does it better.I'd say it's suitable for a motivated junior undergraduate and is certainly suitable for a graduate student at any level.It has my full recommendation.