Einstein's Theories of Relativity and Gravitation / A selection of material from the essays submitted in the competition for the Eugene Higgins prize of $5,000

The collection pairs editorial exposition with competing essays to introduce and explain relativity and gravitation to non-specialist readers. Extended introductory chapters supply philosophical context, trace the development of the special principle of relativity, and introduce Minkowski space-time and non-Euclidean geometry so readers acquire necessary conceptual background. After this preparation, prize and contributing essays offer concise statements of the special and general theories, outline their logical relationships and physical implications, and provide attempts at accessible explanations aimed at an educated lay audience.