GENERAL relativity, Einstein鈥檚 theory of gravity, has a reputation for being a theorist鈥檚 dream and an experimentalist鈥檚 nightmare. While it does not lack for mathematical interest, for decades there were only a handful of experimental tests of general relativity, and all of those were in relatively feeble gravitational fields. But now things are changing: gravitational wave detectors and other exquisitely sensitive experiments are being developed by labs around the world to test the mettle of Einstein鈥檚 greatest creation.
Gravitation and Inertia by Ignazio Ciufolini and John Archibald Wheeler (Princeton, 拢32.5O, ISBN 0 691 03323 4) serves as a admirably comprehensive guide to the current excitement. While demanding, the approach is leavened with historical perspectives and almost poetic insights. Particularly valuable is the up to date accounts of experimental tests of general relativity. While pitched too high to serve as an introduction to the complete beginner, it would nonetheless serve as a much-needed source of motivation when the mathematical going gets tough.
