Physical Relativity: Space-time Structure from a Dynamical Perspective

Book Description

Physical Relativity explores the nature of the distinction at the heart of Einstein's 1905 formulation of his special theory of relativity: that between kinematics and dynamics. Einstein himself became increasingly uncomfortable with this distinction, and with the limitations of what he called the 'principle theory' approach inspired by the logic of thermodynamics. A handful of physicists and philosophers have over the last century likewise expressed doubts about Einstein's treatment of the relativistic behaviour of rigid bodies and clocks in motion in the kinematical part of his great paper, and suggested that the dynamical understanding of length contraction and time dilation intimated by the immediate precursors of Einstein is more fundamental. Harvey Brown both examines and extends these arguments (which support a more 'constructive' approach to relativistic effects in Einstein's terminology), after giving a careful analysis of key features of the pre-history of relativity theory. He argues furthermore that the geometrization of the theory by Minkowski in 1908 brought illumination, but not a causal explanation of relativistic effects. Finally, Brown tries to show that the dynamical interpretation of special relativity defended in the book is consistent with the role this theory must play as a limiting case of Einstein's 1915 theory of gravity: the general theory of relativity. Appearing in the centennial year of Einstein's celebrated paper on special relativity, Physical Relativity is an unusual, critical examination of the way Einstein formulated his theory. It also examines in detail certain specific historical and conceptual issues that have long given rise to debate in both special and general relativity theory, such as the conventionality of simultaneity, the principle of general covariance, and the consistency or otherwise of the special theory with quantum mechanics. Harvey Brown' s new interpretation of relativity theory will interest anyone working on these central topics in modern physics.

Book Description

This volume contains English translations of: Ivanov, The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard, with a new Introduction by Ronald Hingley.

Customer Reviews:

Chekhov plays.......2007-04-11

Plays in general have a tendency to be overly-dramatic. Thus the name "drama". Chekhov definitely used this drama aspect to enhance his plays. He succeeded with some, making them dramatic, awe-inspiring, and amazing. Others? Less so.

I enjoyed reading all of these plays, and I won't deny that. Some, however, are harder to read and to understand than others. It's especially difficult to remember what character is which in each play, especially since in Ivanov, all the names are long and complex. While good plays themselves, I constantly had to flip back to the character list just to remember who that is, a problem rarely found in other plays, such as Ibsen's works.

The plays themselves are good. Each one has its own charm and interest. They're a pleasant read, but a difficult one. It's not something you can just breeze through. Reading these plays needs time and effort, which may be too much for some. If you're looking for any old Chekhov, settle for his stories, like "Ward number six", or even his short little stories. If you're looking for plays (not Shakespeare, that is), go for Ibsen. If you think you can handle this, take it on, but be warned that this is not an easy read.

Nice, but not Chekhov.......2003-03-29

This translation is a nice effort -- at rewriting the original, extremely subtle text as a modern English drama according to the tastes and limitations of the translator. If you're looking to capture the true genius of Chekhov, try another.

Uncle Vanya the greatest play of the last century.......2002-11-21

There are only two modern dramatists that are masters one is Peter Shaffer who wrote the maliciously marvelous Amadeus and the plays of Anton Chekhov the best of which is uncle vanya, the best dipiction of real life its tragedy, its joy and its drama. From the Tolstoyan Astrov, to the depressed Vanya, to the beautiful but vain Yelena. This is a play about life...all people can relate to it in some way and I think Chekhov's philosophy of life is...sublime

Uncle Vanya was my personal favorite.......2000-03-18

Anton Chekhov was a writer who was able to capture the essence of life and inter-personal relationships in his stories. His writing is simple yet powerful and emotionally affecting. Uncle Vanya deals with envy, male-female relationships, despair, and takes a look at life from a realist perspective.

I liked this book.......2000-02-23

I read Uncle Vanya for an English class at my school and I have to say I enjoyed it immensely. Chekhov is able to capture life and the daily struggle of living in a single stroke. Chekhov explores male and female love relationships, self-realization, opposite sex attraction and more. Chekhov's writing in these five plays focus mainly on dialogue and the interactions that take place between his life-like characters. Anton Chekhov has the rare ability to articulate through his story telling the essence of human existence.

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Uncle Vanya
One of the most thought provoking and beautiful plays
Microsoft Reader Doesn't Print
Bad
Checkov at his best

Uncle Vanya
Anton Chekhov
Manufacturer: Grove Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0802131514

Book Description

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet’s Uncle Vanya is a sparkling restoration of a masterpiece of the modern stage, marked by Mamet’s finely tuned ear for dialogue and memorable poetic imagery.

In "Uncle Vanya," a retired professor and his beautiful young wife return to the country estate left by his deceased first wife to find themselves overwhelmed by the stagnant inevitability of the rituals of their life and class, and mercilessly taxed by the encroachment of age at the expense of youth. All of the play’s characters are plunged into that precarious state where, in Beckett’s words, “the boredom of living is replaced by the suffering of being.”

Download Description

A country house on a terrace. In front of it a garden. In an avenue of trees, under an old poplar, stands a table set for tea, with a samovar, etc. Some benches and chairs stand near the table. On one of them is lying a guitar. A hammock is swung near the table. It is three o'clock in the afternoon of a cloudy day. MARINA, a quiet, grey-haired, little old woman, is sitting at the table knitting a stocking.

Customer Reviews:

Uncle Vanya.......2007-05-19

Enjoyed this adaptation by David Mamet very much. It arrived very quickly which was surely appreciated. Thank you.

One of the most thought provoking and beautiful plays.......2004-05-11

"Uncle Vanya" is a beautiful play. I've read it many times in several languages and always enjoyed it very much. Don't read it unless you have attention span greater than that of a child. It's rewarding if you give it a chance. This is Chekhov's best play.

Microsoft Reader Doesn't Print.......2003-01-10

I was disappointed in Microsoft Reader's inability to print. I like the concept of near instant availability for e-books, but prefer to read from the printed page instead of staring at a computer screen. Funny, too, how I found out I couldn't print my document until after I had purchased this e-book and installed the Microsoft Reader software (with the additional step of having to "activate" a pc for it). In fact, Microsoft Reader's Help section doesn't make mention of the fact that one can't print its documents. A search in the help topics only produces the result that the word "print" can't be found.

I'll avoid the Microsoft Reader e-book format in the future.

Bad.......2002-04-23

Really Really boring, don't think anyone should waste their time reading this garbage. Horrible!

Checkov at his best.......2000-08-20

I have read many versions of Uncle Vanya, but this edition is an up-beat, funny, and, ultimately wonderful version of the excellent story by one of Russias beloved writers. I was looking for the right edition to use in my school for the school play, and this edition the kids could connect to. It dosen't have a lot of that Shakespere mumbo-jumbo that you have to read 50 times. This is accesible and very good. rock on David Mamet.

UNCLE VANYA AND OTHER PLAYS (Bantam Classic)

Average customer rating:

Great plays

UNCLE VANYA AND OTHER PLAYS (Bantam Classic)
Anton Chekhov
Manufacturer: Bantam Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0553214276
Release Date: 1994-10-01

Book Description

Chekhov's lyrical plays and uproarious farces continue to entertain theatergoers nearly a century after he wrote them. From his early work The Seagull --a depiction of estranged love and thwarted passion that became a great success Stanislavsky's Moscow Art Theater--to his last, The Cherry Orchard --the poignant portrayal of a land-owning family unable to adapt to a changing society--all his plays masterfully combine both levity and pathos. But his comedic genius comes to fruition most fully in his short entertainments, such as the hilarious courtship between a hypochondriac and a shrew depicted in The Proposal. Putting a "slice of life" on stage, Chekhov's dramatic art evokes the painful loneliness of the human condition, yet unfailingly highlights the pretensions and absurdities that make us laugh--at ourselves.

Customer Reviews:

Great plays.......2003-10-30

Let's face it, Anton Chekhov's works will always be a masterpiece, no matter which pieces of work one decides to read and evaluate. These essential plays (The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard) were very well selected for their inclusion in the "Essentials".

I only give four stars not because I didn't enjoy the plays, but because I believe there could have been others replaced by the ones they decided to include. Once again, that is perhaps only personal preference. All of the plays included are dramatic and comical in their own witty ways. Thorough enjoyment is almost guaranteed in this Modern Classic Library edition of Chekhov. Out of respect for the author and the translator, I will refrain from mentioning other stories that could have been added in lieu of the ones chosen. Maybe I'm being selfish in only giving four stars based on a personal opinion of the plays included, but, after all, that is why this is a review, right? Enjoy the book anyway. A great addition to your Checkov collection.

Average customer rating:

The most actable translations I've read

Chekhov: The Four Major Plays: Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, Cherry Orchard
Anton Chekhov
Manufacturer: Ivan R. Dee, Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Ibsen's Selected Plays (Norton Critical Editions)

Nine Plays of the Modern Theater: Includes: Waiting for Godot; The Visit; Tango; The Caucasian Chalk Circle; The Balcony; Rhinoceros; et al

Endgame and Act Without Words

The American Dream and Zoo Story

Mother Courage and Her Children

ASIN: 1566636256

Book Description

In these fresh, vibrant new translations of Chekhov's four greatest plays--Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and Cherry Orchard--the brilliant theatrical translator Curt Columbus recaptures the master's open-ended simplicity. Curt Columbus loves actors and his new translations of Chekhov's four major plays are his gift to them. These are wonderfully actable, clear, and concise, and Columbus has perfectly captured Chekhov's unique blend of comic and tragic sensibilities. --Robert Falls, Artistic Director, Goodman Theatre

Customer Reviews:

The most actable translations I've read.......2005-02-18

I've been reading and studying these plays for years now, and have read through and worked out of numerous different translations. Curt Columbus' versions of these four mighty plays are exceedingly well done. They are eminently actable and highly accessible to a modern audience. Yes, he does make some small adjustments, notably choosing to call each character by one consistent name, instead of using all of the various forms. Purists may scoff, but it removes a barrier to understanding for a modern theatregoer. Highly recommended for anyone directing Chekhov or teaching it to students.

Plays: Ivanov; The Seagull; Uncle Vanya; Three Sisters; The Cherry Orchard (Penguin Classics)

Average customer rating:

Somewhat interesting

Plays: Ivanov; The Seagull; Uncle Vanya; Three Sisters; The Cherry Orchard (Penguin Classics)
Anton Chekhov
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140447334
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Book Description

Anton Chekhov wrote that "narrative is my legal wife and drama a flamboyant, rowdy, impudent, exhausting mistress." At a time when the Russian stage was dominated by farces, formulaic melodramas, and vaudevilles, Chekhov created plays that focused on characters grappling with moral questions. His works baffled his audiences, but his sensitive explorations of love, loss, and time as well as his portrayal of complex characters and ambiguities, revolutionized the theater with an exhilarating new form of drama.

This volume includes new translations, full explanatory notes, a chronology, suggestions for further reading, and a glossary, as well as an introduction by eminent Chekhov scholar Richard Gilman.

Customer Reviews:

Somewhat interesting.......2005-03-05

I had to read this for a class that I had. I know it is representative of Russian literature, but it's very bleak and depressing. None of the plays have a really happy ending, but they do have good endings. My least favorite of the plays was Three Sisters, and my favorite was Cherry Orchard. Three Sisters, in my opinion is about the most bleak, unsatisfying, and depressing play about life and love I have ever read. Cherry Orchard is, in my opinion well thought out, bad things happen in this play, but there are reasons for these occurances, and it also has the most satisfying ending of all the plays in this book. Seagull, Uncle Vanya, and Ivanov aren't really bad, but aren't spectacular. If you want to read a light-hearted and easy going play, don't read this. They were interesting enough for me to give this four stars, they aren't bad for the most part, but aren't spectacular either.

Four Great Plays By Anton Chekhov - The Sea Gull/The Cherry Orchard/Three Sisters/Uncle Vanya

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Four Great Plays By Anton Chekhov - The Sea Gull/The Cherry Orchard/Three Sisters/Uncle Vanya
Anton Chekhov
Manufacturer: New York: Bantam Books, 1958
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LVLLJW

Chekov for the Stage: The Seagull/Uncle Vanya/The Three Sisters/ The Cherry Orchard

Average customer rating:

Chekov was a master playwright.
A Dramatic Classic

Chekov for the Stage: The Seagull/Uncle Vanya/The Three Sisters/ The Cherry Orchard
Anton Chekhov
Manufacturer: Northwestern University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0810110482

Customer Reviews:

Chekov was a master playwright........2005-01-15

I read an edition that had only two of these plays, so my review is based on two plays only - "The Cherry Orchard" and "The Three Sisters". Chekov's trademark is to write about strong and determined women. This is quite a stretch since the plays were written in the very early twentieth century. These plays are superbly crafted, and the drama unfolds like a flower in slow motion photography. His characters in both are also wonderful. It would be a real treat to see even one of these masterpieces performed on the stage. I recommend this author highly to anyone interested in adding plays to their reading repertoire

A Dramatic Classic.......2000-06-17

I thuroughly enjoyed the works of Chekhov, the writer who helped define the famous Moscow Art Theatre. His plot twists are a bit difficult to grasp outside of a theatre, but still very enjoyable.

Chekhov utilizes a realistic writing style. Fantastic and absurd stories where the actors just flailed around on stage and delivered their lines were of little use to him. His plays can be viewed in many different ways. A scene that at one moment can seem tragic, can be comedic if looked at another way. There is no consistant good or evil in a Chekhov piece. He once wrote, "depict life as it actually is. Its aim is truth, unconditional and honest... a man of letters... has to... realize that dung heaps play a very significant role in a landscape and that evil passions are as inherent in life as good ones." He wanted the emotions that the characters were experiencing to be sensed in the actions of the actors on stage, not in the words that anyone could sit down and read. This makes his work some of the more difficult to perform in theatre today. Only an experienced actor who is able to create a reality of their character is capable of performing a Chekhov play. Chekhov's comedies are often mistaken for tragidies. They are actually perfect examples of high comedy. In a true tragedy, the main characters have some heroic qualities that make their fall devestating to the audience. The characters in Chekhov's plays "The Seagull," and "The Cherry Orchard" have no such qualities. Chekhov also had a very particular way of writing his play. He set out with a purpose. He felt that the writer of the play needed a clearly defined reason to be writing, or else they would find themselves lost with a mediocre piece of work.

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Uncle Vanya: scenes from country life in four acts by Anton Chekhov
Jean-claude Van Itallie
Manufacturer: Dramatists Play Service Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 082221587X

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Chekhov's Uncle Vanya and The Wood Demon (Critical Studies in Russian Literature =)

Manufacturer: Duckworth Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1853994057

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Uncle Vanya
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Manufacturer: Dodo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1406507881

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