The Greatest Speed

Author: S. R. Filonovich

Series: Science for Everyone

Publisher: Mir Publishers, Moscow

Edition: 1986

Binding: paperback

Pages: 283

Size: 4.5 × 0.5 × 7 inches

Language: English

 

The Greatest Speed by S. R. Filonovich examines the concept of speed within the framework of modern physics, with particular attention to the extraordinary physical significance of the speed of light. The subject provides an accessible route into some of the fundamental ideas that transformed scientific understanding during the twentieth century.

The concept of a universal speed limit is closely connected with Einstein’s theory of relativity. The speed of light in vacuum is not simply the speed at which light travels; it occupies a fundamental position in modern physical theories concerning space, time, matter, and energy. Understanding why this speed has such a special status provides insight into some of the most important developments in modern physics.

The book can also be approached through the historical development of scientific ideas. Classical mechanics provided an influential framework for understanding motion and velocity, but discoveries concerning electromagnetism and the behaviour of light eventually raised questions that could not be fully explained by older physical models. These developments contributed to the emergence of relativity and new conceptions of space and time.

The subject naturally leads into questions concerning special relativity, including the relationship between measurements of space and time for observers in different states of motion. Concepts such as the constancy of the speed of light and the relationship between matter and energy form important parts of the broader scientific context.

Published by Mir Publishers in Moscow, the book belongs to a well-known tradition of Soviet-era popular science publishing. Mir produced numerous scientific books intended to communicate mathematics, physics, astronomy, engineering, and other technical subjects to students and general readers. The Science for Everyone series similarly reflects an effort to present scientific subjects in an accessible format.

With 283 pages, this edition offers a substantial treatment of its subject while retaining the compact dimensions typical of popular science paperbacks. Measuring approximately 4.5 × 0.5 × 7 inches, the volume is well suited to collections focused on physics, popular science, Soviet scientific publishing, and books from Mir Publishers.

• Title: The Greatest Speed
• Author: S. R. Filonovich
• Series: Science for Everyone
• Publisher: Mir Publishers, Moscow
• Edition: 1986
• Pages: 283
• Size: 4.5 × 0.5 × 7 inches
• Binding: Not specified
• Language: English
• Primary Subject: Physics
• Key Topics: Speed of light, relativity, space and time, modern physics, scientific history, popular science
• Publishing Context: Mir Publishers / Soviet scientific publishing
• Ideal for: Physics students, science readers, collectors of Russian scientific publications, and enthusiasts of popular physics

🔹 Collector’s Note

This 1986 edition of The Greatest Speed is an interesting addition to collections devoted to physics, popular science, and Russian scientific publishing. Published by Mir Publishers, Moscow, and belonging to the Science for Everyone series, the 283-page volume represents the tradition of presenting important scientific concepts to a wider readership. Its subject matter, compact format, and Mir Publishers imprint make it particularly suitable for collectors of vintage science books and Soviet-era scientific literature.