[.ca] Introduction to the Theory of Relativity (ISBN 0486632822)

Pretty darn good.:
Hey, it's endorsed by big Al, himself. The math intro pretty much does it all, but it would be good if you have a firm grasp of vector calculus, and linear algebra. And intro undergraduate physics wouldn't hurt, either.

Making the complex understandable:
Peter was able to give examples which made the complex easier to understand. The edges of the first sections in a copy in the Caltech library were black from use. I was privileged to be a guinea pig for the first edition.

Excellent first exposure:
Don't know of a superior first exposure to relativity. It starts with elementary situations and examines the conflicts with pre-relativistic kinematical viewpoints. This motivates the requirements for special relativities' postulates and their immediate consequences. From here, the more complex issues of special relativity are dealt with in an orderly fashion; e.g. rigid body dynamics, relativistic hydrodynamics and electromagnetic theory from a relatavistic point of view. General tensor analysis is covered in a separate chapter for pursuing the general relativity chapters of the book. Incidentally, this chapter is among the most clear expositions on tensors out there. Finally, general relativity is covered in the same stepwise fashion as was done in the special relativity chapters. The natural introduction of more complex ideas which start from basics is perhaps, the single reason why this book is a hard to beat introduction to relativity. After a thorough digestion of Bergmann, one is ready to spring up to the next level, the masterful Weinberg.

A masterpiece in physics.:
This book describes the foundations of relativity in a clear and concise way. The development of tensor analysis is especially clear. It is great for anyone who has studied calculus, differential equations, and classical physics. I highly recommend it.

A good book for an old tymer BUT there's a new better dover!:
This book is a good book. It explains the math ok, and does a good job of presenting the material. However, I must say the book fails in conveying the excitment of doing physics to it's readers. For example, it's derivation of the Lorentz Transformation equations is based on the assumption of the homogenity of space-time. I like derivations that are based on how two observers in relative motion observe an event. And what coordinates one of them gives to that event in terms of the coordinates of the other observer. NOW you are doing relativity!!! A book the puts more emphasis on physics rather than math is the latest in dover line-up: R.K.Pathria "The theory of relativity". It more approachable and rewarding than Bergmann.