A readable and entertaining look at how Einstein’s special theory of relativity gives us a new understanding of the nature of time

Relativity ought to be an important part of everyone's education. Its subject is time, with which we all think we are familiar. Einstein's special theory of relativity reveals that some of our most intuitive notions about time are shockingly wrong. This clear, lively, and informal exposition of special relativity takes a highly original approach to introduce readers to the true nature of time. It is accessible to anyone who remembers a little high school algebra and elementary geometry. It’s About Time offers deep insights to curious readers who have no technical scientific background.

N. David Mermin is the Horace White Professor of Physics Emeritus at Cornell University. His books include Boojums All the Way Through and Why Quark Rhymes with Pork.