Exact Space-Times in Einstein's General Relativity

Einstein's theory of general relativity is a theory of gravity and, as in the earlier Newtonian theory, much can be learnt about the character of gravitation and its effects by investigating particular idealised examples. This book describes the basic solutions of Einstein's equations with a particular emphasis on what they mean, both geometrically and physically. Concepts such as big bang and big crunch-types of singularities, different kinds of horizons and gravitational waves, are described in the context of the particular space-times in which they naturally arise. These notions are initially introduced using the most simple and symmetric cases. Various important coordinate forms of each solution are presented, thus enabling the global structure of the corresponding space-time and its other properties to be analysed. The book is an invaluable resource both for graduate students and academic researchers working in gravitational physics.

Describes the basic solutions of Einstein's equations emphasising their geometric and physical meaning
Introduces concepts with simplest cases, building space-time analyses from basics
Makes explicit the relationships between different families of solutions to Einstein's equations

Reviews & endorsements

"This is a resource monograph well balanced between a pedagogical scientific text and a review of current research on the subject. It should be standing undoubtedly, next to the "Exact solution book", on the bookshelf of both graduate students and academic researchers working on general relativity."
Theophanes Grammenos, Mathematical Reviews

"... tell[s] of the achievements of a generation of theorists whose only instruments were, for a good part of their lives, a pad of paper and a few pencils."
Massimo Giovannini, CERN Courier

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