The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time

First published in 1973, this influential work discusses Einstein's General Theory of Relativity to show how two of its predictions arise: first, that the ultimate fate of many massive stars is to undergo gravitational collapse to form 'black holes'; and second, that there was a singularity in the past at the beginning of the universe. Starting with a precise formulation of the theory, including the necessary differential geometry, the authors discuss the significance of space-time curvature and examine the properties of a number of exact solutions of Einstein's field equations. They develop the theory of the causal structure of a general space-time, and use it to prove a number of theorems establishing the inevitability of singularities under certain conditions. A Foreword contributed by Abhay Ashtekar and a new Preface from George Ellis help put the volume into context of the developments in the field over the past fifty years.

• A seminal volume on General Relativity from Stephen Hawking and George Ellis, written early in their scientific careers: this was Hawking's first published book
• One of the first explorations of singularities, places where space-time begins or ends, and the known laws of physics break down
• Includes a specially commissioned Foreword written by Abhay Ashtekar and a new Preface by George Ellis