Einstein's Special Relativity

Charles R. Crawford, a former associate professor of computer science at
York University, is a computer-programming and mathematics consultant.

Written for secondary-school and college physics students, this book
explains Einstein’s theories using vector algebra (not calculus) at
the secondary-school level. The first two chapters cover the history of
relativity form Galileo, through to the Michelson–Morley experiment,
to Einstein. Chapters 3 through 6 discuss relativity in connection with
some of the basic concepts of physics: time, length, energy, and
velocity. There is a postscript on the future of relativity and two
appendixes giving derivations of specific results. Most chapters include
exercises and problems, with answers provided at the back of the book.

McFarland’s writing is clear and his examples well chosen. He uses
Einstein’s basic assumptions consistently both in explaining concepts
such as time dilation and in solving example problems. He avoids
catchphrases such as “moving clocks run slow,” which are correct as
far as they go but can be a hindrance in problem solving.

This excellent book is recommended for beginning students of physics or
general readers with an interest in the subject.