An Introduction to Relativistic Gravitation

This is an introductory textbook on applications of general relativity to astrophysics and cosmology. The aim is to provide advanced students with a toolkit for understanding astronomical phenomena that involve velocities close to that of light or intense gravitational fields. The author gives a thorough grounding in special relativity with space-time the central concept. Examples of relativistic gravitation in action are drawn from the astrophysical domain. The book can be read on two levels: first as an introductory fast-track course and then as a detailed course reinforced by problems that illuminate technical examples. The book has extensive links to the literature of relativistic astrophysics and cosmology.