First published in 1916, Relativity: The Special and the General Theory is Albert Einstein’s own accessible explanation of one of the most revolutionary scientific ideas ever developed. Written for the general reader rather than specialists, the book explains the fundamental concepts behind the Special and General Theories of Relativity—how space, time, gravity, and motion are interconnected in ways that challenge common sense. Einstein guides readers step-by-step through thought experiments, simple analogies, and philosophical reflections on the nature of reality. More than a physics text, this classic work offers a rare opportunity to encounter the ideas of modern science directly from the mind that created them.
Authorized translation by Robert W. Lawson
About the Author
Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist widely regarded as one of the greatest scientists in history. He developed the theories of Special Relativity (1905) and General Relativity (1915), fundamentally transforming modern physics and our understanding of space, time, and gravity. Einstein received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, which helped establish quantum theory. Beyond physics, he became an influential public intellectual, advocating for peace, civil liberties, and international cooperation.
