Product guide

Kinematics: The Lost Origins of Einstein’s Relativity

Kinematics: The Lost Origins of Einstein’s Relativity is Alberto A. Martínez’s historical account of the science of motion and its connections to special relativity. It traces how mathematics, engineering, philosophy, and psychology shaped the field, making it a focused history rather than a general relativity textbook.

At a glance

A history of kinematics, described as the science of motion, and its overlooked intellectual roots.
Explores how developments in mathematics, engineering, philosophy, and psychology influenced the field.
Connects the history of kinematics with the origins of Einstein’s special relativity.
The listing describes the explanations as clear and accessible, with relevance to students of physics and general science.

Price

$50.30Save 31%

Reference price: ~~$72.95~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Offers a focused historical perspective on a field the listing says has often been neglected.
Its cross-disciplinary approach can help readers understand why ideas about motion developed in different directions.
The 488-page illustrated edition provides substantial coverage for readers seeking a deeper historical treatment.

Cons

Its emphasis is the history and development of kinematics, so it is not presented as a step-by-step instructional text or a broad survey of all relativity.

Technical specifications

10 specifications

Book details
Author	Alberto A. Martínez
Publisher	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date	July 13, 2009
Edition	Illustrated
Language	English
Print length	488 pages
ISBN-10	0801891353
ISBN-13	978-0801891359

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	1.75 pounds
Dimensions	6 x 1.41 x 9 inches

What to know before buying

The listing characterizes the book as accessible, but it does not specify the mathematical level or provide a chapter-by-chapter outline. Readers seeking worked problems should confirm that the book suits their needs.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in the history of physics and the development of kinematics.
Physics or general-science students who want historical context for concepts of motion.
Readers exploring the intellectual background to special relativity.

Less suited to

Readers primarily seeking a problem-solving workbook or a comprehensive technical textbook on relativity.

Customer reviews on Amazon

5 / 5 · 4 ratings

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The supplied evidence contains aggregate ratings but no customer-comment summary. The ratings are uniformly five-star in a small sample, which is a positive but limited signal and does not establish specific strengths, criticisms, or fit. For this history-focused book, readers should judge suitability by the stated emphasis on kinematics and the absence of a specified mathematical level.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a textbook on solving kinematics problems?

The listing describes a history of kinematics and its development, not a problem-solving workbook. It does not specify whether worked exercises are included.

What topics does the book cover?

The listing says it examines the development of kinematics and how mathematics, engineering, philosophy, and psychology shaped the field, including its connection to special relativity.

Who may find this book useful?

It is aimed at readers interested in physics history, including students of physics and general science looking for context on the science of motion.