A First Course in Loop Quantum Gravity

`I highly recommend this book ... Congratulations to the authors for the great, concise, effective presentation of this challenging field to students and interested researchers coming from other fields.' Christine Córdula Dantas, Toy Universes `Gambini and Pullin have written an excellent and truly introductory book, aimed at the undergraduate level, which fills a gap in the existing literature, and responds to the growing interest in this subject. ' Carlo Rovelli, Aix-Marseille University, France `Loop quantum gravity is currently one of the main approaches in the search for a quantum theory of gravity. Written by well-known experts in this field, "A First Course in Loop Quantum gravity" is the first book on this topic that is accessible already to undergraduates. No previous knowledge of general relativity and quantum field theory is required; instead, the necessary material from these subjects is introduced in a clear and pedagogical way. The authors present the key features of loop quantum gravity, but also do not hide its weak points. The book can be recommended to anyone from student to established scientist who wants to get a short, reliable, and clear introduction to this fascinating field of research. ' Claus Kiefer, University of Cologne, Germany `Marvellously succeeds in starting from the basics of special relativity and covering basic topics in Hamiltonian dynamics, Yang Mills theory, general relativity and quantum field theory, ending with a tour on current (loop) quantum gravity research. This is done in a short 192 pages!' Bianca Dittrich, IOP Publishing