Einstein, Albert; translated by Robert W. Lawson.

Relativity The Special and the General Theory

London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1920. First edition in English. A Near Fine copy of the book with spine gilt oxidized, contemporary owner's name on the first blank (dated 1920). Dust jacket Very Good overall with some chips at the spine ends, toning to the spine and a few short tears at the flap folds. Housed in a custom clamshell case (by Stuart Brockman).

Originally published in German in 1916, this is the first translation into English. In what remains some of his most influential work, Einstein determined that "the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers, and he showed that the speed of light within a vacuum is the same no matter the speed at which an observer travels" (Wired). Complex as the content of his work was, in writing the General Theory Einstein intended to give "an exact insight into the theory of relativity to those readers who, from a general scientific and philosophical point of view, are interested in the theory, but who are not conversant with the mathematical apparatus of theoretical physics" (PMM). His paper on the matter revolutionized what the scientific community knew about light, light speed, matter and energy -- all with a deceptively simple equation. E=MC2 would alter the future of science, bringing humankind a deeper understanding of how the universe functions; as with so many contributions, however, it also carried a dark side, ushering in the nuclear age and the development of atomic warfare.

PMM 408 (for the German edition). Near Fine in Very Good dust jacket. (Item #5111)