This book is about the general theory of relativity which is concisely labeled as general relativity. The book is the result of a rather extensive view to the literature of this theory over most of its lifetime reflecting various stages of its development. The book contains 129 solved problems as well as 606 exercises whose detailed solutions are published in another book that accompanies the present book. The book also includes a detailed index and many cross references. The book can be used as an introduction to general relativity at undergraduate and graduate levels. Unlike most other books on general relativity which are mostly dedicated to the presentation, justification, application and validation of the formalism of the theory (and hence rather minor attention is usually paid to the interpretation and epistemology of the theory), this book is primarily interested in the interpretative and epistemological aspects of the theory.

I should draw the attention of the readers (and potential readers) of this book that “Simplified” in the title dose not mean “simple”. The reader of this book must have a strong background in physics and general mathematics and should be familiar with the basic concepts, notations and techniques of tensor calculus, differential geometry and special relativity. So, it is “Simplified” for the proper reader and not for every reader. Therefore, I strongly advise against acquiring or reading this book by readers who do not have such a suitable background to avoid frustration and disappointment.