Many books are devoted to the special theory of relativity - monographs, textbooks, popular science publications. The purpose of this book is to highlight the modern approach to this now classic section of physics and in a fairly visual and simple form to talk about the formation of physical ideas about space and time. In the presentation of D. Bohm, the special theory of relativity is not only historically and logically justified - it is a natural and necessary stage in the development of science. The author analyzes in detail the foundations of the theory, the development of the concepts of classical and the creation of relativistic mechanics, the process of the emergence and evolution of physical theories. The book is written interestingly and fascinatingly, in terms of presentation it is available to a wide range of readers with minimal physical and mathematical training. It will be read with pleasure by scientists of various specialties, teachers, engineers, and students.