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This book provides an introduction to general relativity based on the homogeneity and isotropy of the local universe. It aims to help the reader to understand the basics of cosmology and general relativity. All relevant experiments are explained and reported.

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A self-contained introduction to general relativity that is based on the homogeneity and isotropy of the local universe. Emphasis is placed on estimations of the densities of matter and vacuum energy, and on investigations of the primordial density fluctuations and the nature of dark matter.

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Observational Cosmology.- Coordinates and Metrics.- The Field Equations.- Friedmannology.- The Thermal History of the Universe.- Structure Formation.

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From the reviews:

"The book provides a comprehensive and thorough explication of current cosmology at a level appropriate for a beginning graduate student or an advanced and motivated undergraduate. It covers all relevant concepts of cosmology and pertinent general relativity and contains a significant number of exercises, with solutions to a sample set. This book clearly is the result of the refining of notes from a course on cosmology... It provides a summary of current observations and mathematical underpinnings of the physical principles. This is an extremely valuable contribution in the field, which has been changing rapidly as a result of new technology and new theoretical motivations from the related field of high-energy physics... This book provides a good look at the intellectual effort and a solid foundation for the new discoveries soon to come." (Physics Today, September 2002)

"All these exciting developments are laid out in a very accessible form in this textbook especially written for senior undergraduates or graduates from various backgrounds. It deals in a very nice and explicit form with the basic ideas of cosmology and general relativity (...). This is a fine textbook and would be very enjoyable for private study. (The Physicist, 2001)

From the reviews of the second edition:

"Rich, a cosmologist at CEA, a French technological research organization, provides a systematic exposition of modern cosmological models and observations, written in a clear, engaging style that does not assume prior knowledge of the subject. ... It would make an excellent advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate textbook, or a good reference for anyone wanting a clear introduction to the ideas of modern cosmology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers/faculty in the physical sciences; professionals/practitioners." (R. L. Mutel, Choice, Vol. 47 (11), August, 2010)

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