This book is the second edition of the well-received textbook on the theory of general relativity by Øyvind G. Grøn and Sigbjørn Hervik. It introduces the general theory of relativity and includes applications to cosmology. The reader is given an updated introduction to general relativity including the most recent developments in cosmology. The book contains a thorough introduction to tensor calculus and curved manifolds. After the necessary mathematical tools are introduced, the book provides a thorough presentation of the theory of relativity including a chapter on gravitational waves. The most important additions in the second edition are included there. Anisotropic cosmological models are also included. The book contains many new exercises and examples, each with separate headings. Furthermore, detailed solutions of all the exercises are included except those in the advanced section.
Reviews of the 1st Edition:
"A sophisticated treatment of general relativity with a considerable number of applications to cosmology. ... The book may be read in several different ways, depending on the interests of readers. A rich source of material; college libraries should have it on their shelves. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." (K. L. Schick, CHOICE, Vol. v4 (3), November, 2007)
"This book is a carefully prepared overview about all essential aspects of relativity. Its 5 parts give the standard way to present the material ... . Differently from other textbooks, the present authors emphasize much more concrete problems and examples ... . The book contains a very large number of formulas, partially due to the fact, that many statements are given both in the old index-notation as well as in the modern index-free notation; I think this is helpful for the readers." (Hans-Jürgen Schmidt, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1126 (3), 2008)
"Even if you already have a sizable collection of books on general relativity, or if you are looking for a good modern book to teach a course from, the text by Grøn and Hervik is ... a valuable addition to your collection." (David H. Delphenich, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2008 i)
"A sophisticated treatment of general relativity with a considerable number of applications to cosmology. ... The book may be read in several different ways, depending on the interests of readers. A rich source of material; college libraries should have it on their shelves. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." (K. L. Schick, CHOICE, Vol. v4 (3), November, 2007)
"This book is a carefully prepared overview about all essential aspects of relativity. Its 5 parts give the standard way to present the material ... . Differently from other textbooks, the present authors emphasize much more concrete problems and examples ... . The book contains a very large number of formulas, partially due to the fact, that many statements are given both in the old index-notation as well as in the modern index-free notation; I think this is helpful for the readers." (Hans-Jürgen Schmidt, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1126 (3), 2008)
"Even if you already have a sizable collection of books on general relativity, or if you are looking for a good modern book to teach a course from, the text by Grøn and Hervik is ... a valuable addition to your collection." (David H. Delphenich, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2008 i)
From the reviews: "A sophisticated treatment of general relativity with a considerable number of applications to cosmology. ... The book may be read in several different ways, depending on the interests of readers. A rich source of material; college libraries should have it on their shelves. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." (K. L. Schick, CHOICE, Vol. v4 (3), November, 2007) "This book is a carefully prepared overview about all essential aspects of relativity. Its 5 parts give the standard way to present the material ... . Differently from other textbooks, the present authors emphasize much more concrete problems and examples ... . The book contains a very large number of formulas, partially due to the fact, that many statements are given both in the old index-notation as well as in the modern index-free notation; I think this is helpful for the readers." (Hans-Jürgen Schmidt, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1126 (3), 2008) "Even if you already have a sizable collection of books on general relativity, or if you are looking for a good modern book to teach a course from, the text by Grøn and Hervik is ... a valuable addition to your collection." (David H. Delphenich, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2008 i)