A treatment of the linear theory is given that closely parallels the usual E and B formulation of electromagnetic theory. In Part I, an introductory exposition of gravitational radiation is presented. The tidal gravitational field strength E is defined, and it is shown that E is the measurable quantity which characterizes a gravitational wave. The important point is made that the problem of detecting gravitational waves is really the same problem as detecting tidal accelerations due to a time‐varying Newtonian gravitational field. In Part II, the magnetic‐type gravitational field strength B is defined and Maxwell‐like field equations are used to determine the polarization states of a gravitational wave. The detection of gravitational waves by Weber‐type cylinders is discussed.