The Curious History of Relativity

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Black holes may obliterate most things that approach them, but they played a crucial role in revitalizing the theory of general relativity. After its 1915 publication, Einstein's theory was initially embraced but soon took a backseat to quantum mechanics, remaining largely dormant for decades. It wasn't until the 1960s, with the work of Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose, that the existence of black holes breathed new life into the theory. Almost a century after general relativity supplanted Newton's gravitational theory, this narrative explores the events surrounding its development and the techniques used by Einstein and his contemporaries to grapple with the complexities of his groundbreaking work. Jean Eisenstaedt, a leading expert, delves into the evolution of general relativity within the context of twentieth-century physics. He outlines key phases in its development: its inception, the challenges it faced during Einstein's lifetime, and its resurgence in the 1960s, when it became essential for understanding black holes, exotic astronomical objects, and ultimately, the accelerating universe. The narrative captures Einstein's journey in constructing his theory, alongside the efforts of his intrigued yet often frustrated colleagues—physicists, mathematicians, and astronomers. Written with flair, it poses and answers the challenging questions that arise from Einstein's remarkable intellectual achievement.