The aim of this book is to become a major reference text for gravitational-wave physics, covering in detail both the experimental and the theoretical aspects. It is the only existing book on gravitational waves to date, and it will likely remain unique for its broadness and scope. It brings the reader to the forefront of present-day research, both theoretical and experimental, assuming no previous knowledge of gravitational-wave physics. Part I of Volume 1 is devoted to the theory of gravitational waves. Here we have re-derived - in a coherent way - most of the results that we present, clarifying or streamlining existing derivations. Part II of Volume 1 is devoted to a description of experimental gravitational-wave physics. We discuss in great detail existing and planned experiments, as well as data analysis techniques.

Prof. Michele Maggiore

Department of Theoretical Physics, the University of Geneva Born in 1963, Michele Maggiore has graduated from University of Pisa in 1986 and has got his Ph.D. from Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, in 1989. After postdoctoral positions in Bern and at the University of Minnesota he became a researcher at INFN in Pisa in 1991. Since 2001 he is Professeur Ordinaire (Professor) at the Dept. of Theoretical Physics, University of Geneva.

His research interests cover a broad range of subjects, including quantum field theory, quantum gravity, cosmology, string theory, and the study of gravitational waves of astrophysical or cosmological origin. He is also involved in experimental efforts for gravitational wave detection.