Spacetime and Geometry

Spacetime and Geometry by Sean M. Carroll is an introductory textbook on general relativity, published by Cambridge University Press on August 8, 2019. This edition spans 516 pages and is presented in English, offering a clear and accessible overview of a complex subject aimed at students. Carroll begins by laying the foundational principles and mathematical formalism of general relativity, making it approachable for those new to the topic.

Readers will find discussions on three major applications of general relativity, including black holes, perturbation theory and gravitational waves, and cosmology. The book explains the curvature of spacetime through the Einstein equation and the movement of matter via the geodesic equation. Additionally, it covers the nature of black holes, the generation and detection of gravitational waves, and contemporary views on the universe’s expansion. A brief introduction to quantum field theory in curved spacetime is also provided, equipping students with the knowledge to engage with research-level problems in gravitational physics.