This textbook explores approximate solutions to general relativity and their consequences. It offers a unique presentation of Einstein's theory by developing powerful methods that can be applied to astrophysical systems. Beginning with a uniquely thorough treatment of Newtonian gravity, the book develops post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian approximation methods to obtain weak-field solutions to the Einstein field equations. The book explores the motion of self-gravitating bodies, the physics of gravitational waves, and the impact of radiative losses on gravitating systems. It concludes with a brief overview of alternative theories of gravity. Ideal for graduate courses on general relativity and relativistic astrophysics, the book examines real-life applications, such as planetary motion around the Sun, the timing of binary pulsars, and gravitational waves emitted by binary black holes. Text boxes explore related topics and provide historical context, and over 100 exercises present challenging tests of the material covered in the main text.

A unique graduate textbook that develops powerful approximation methods and their applications to real-life astrophysical systems.

About the Author
Eric Poisson is Professor of Physics at the University of Guelph. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and serves on the editorial boards of Physical Review Letters and Classical and Quantum Gravity. Clifford M. Will is Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of Florida and J. S. McDonnell Professor Emeritus at Washington University in St Louis. He is a member of the US National Academy of Sciences, and Editor-in-Chief of Classical and Quantum Gravity. He is well known for his ability to bring science to broad audiences.

Reviews
'This remarkable book gives a superb pedagogical treatment of topics that are crucial for modern astrophysics and gravitational-wave science, but (sadly) are generally omitted from textbooks on general relativity, or treated much too briefly. With enthusiasm, I recommend this book to all astrophysicists, gravitational physicists, and students of these subjects.' Kip S. Thorne, California Institute of Technology
'This book is likely to become the bedside reading of all students and working scientists interested in Newtonian and Einsteinian gravity. Pedagogically written using fully modern notation, the book contains an extensive description of the post-Newtonian approximation, and is replete with useful results on gravitational waves and the motion of bodies under gravity.' Luc Blanchet, Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris
'I know of no other text that compares with this compendium of tricks for calculating observables in the large fraction of the universe that is not near an event horizon. Eric Poisson and Clifford Will, two world-renowned leaders in the field, have produced the ideal manual for anyone who wishes to do calculations relevant to current experiments or upcoming gravitational-wave observations. ... The clear, unified presentation in Gravity is a must-read for anyone wishing to absorb the material efficiently. ... a great textbook for a special-topics graduate course after the introductory relativity course, a crucial study aid for anyone learning about astrophysical relativity and gravitational waves, and a lifelong reference for career researchers.' Benjamin Owen, Physics Today


Awards
Short-listed for PROSE Award for Textbook, Physical Sciences and Mathematics 2015.



Book Information
ISBN 9781107032866
Author Eric Poisson
Format Hardback
Page Count 792
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 1880g
Dimensions(mm) 253mm * 193mm * 37mm