KANNADA
Einstein's contribution to physics
K. S. PARTHASARATHY
PHYSICS MATTU EINSTEIN: Adyanadka Krishna Bhat; Navakarnataka Publications Pvt. Ltd., Post Box 5159, 11, Embassy Centre, Bangalore-560001. Rs. 70.
THE YEAR 2005 marks the centenary of the publication of the Theory of Relativity, commemorating this path-breaking contribution of Einstein. The intertwining nature of important developments in physics and Einstein's own part in it during this century is universally recognised. This book attempts to tell the general reader this story and the imprint it has left beyond the realm of physics, stretching into the thoughts and value systems that have shaped the society of our times. The first two chapters tell what physics is about. A chapter covers the contributions of Indian physicists during this period. The chapters `Trilogy of Einstein' and `What is Relativity' form the centrepiece.
Throughout the book and especially in these two chapters very simple drawings and graphics copiously illustrate the meaning of very complicated concepts, much better than the texts themselves. One chapter chronicles the life of Einstein. Another deals with his wide-ranging, socio-political thoughts bringing out the essentially human nature of this man who turned the world as we knew it till then on its head through his seminal contributions in physics.
The author has accomplished a very difficult task with remarkable brevity without sacrificing clarity. The Kannada is understandably tough. It would have been better if the original English equivalents for the various concepts translated into Kannada have been provided. The book deserves to be translated into other languages.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Book Review
