The Theory of Special Relativity is one of the most profound discoveries of the twentieth century. Einstein's Mirror blends a simple, nonmathematical account of the theory of special relativity and gravitation with a description of the way experiments have triumphantly supported these theories. The authors explore the many applications of relativity in atomic and nuclear physics, which are many and range from satellite navigation systems, particle accelerators and nuclear power to quantum chemistry, antimatter and black holes. The book also features a superb collection of photographs and includes amusing anecdotes and biographies about the early pioneers. In the closing chapter, the authors examine the influence of Einstein's relativity on the development of science fiction. General readers with an interest in science will enjoy and benefit from this fascinating and accessible introduction to one of the most important areas of physics.

1. A revolution in time
2. The nature of light
3. Light and time
4. The ultimate speed
5. E = mc[superscript 2]
6. Matter and anti-matter
7. Little Boy and Fat Man: relativity in action
8. Down to earth
9. Warped space
10. The Big Bang, black holes and unified fields
11. Afterword: Relativity and science fiction
App Some mathematical details and derivations
Chronology
Glossary
Quotations and sources
Suggestions for further reading
Name index
Subject index