Beautiful Geometry - Hardcover

Maor, Eli; Jost, Eugen

3.91

76 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691150990 ISBN 13: 9780691150994

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2014

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If you've ever thought that mathematics and art don't mix, this stunning visual history of geometry will change your mind. As much a work of art as a book about mathematics, Beautiful Geometry presents more than sixty exquisite color plates illustrating a wide range of geometric patterns and theorems, accompanied by brief accounts of the fascinating history and people behind each. With artwork by Swiss artist Eugen Jost and text by acclaimed math historian Eli Maor, this unique celebration of geometry covers numerous subjects, from straightedge-and-compass constructions to intriguing configurations involving infinity. The result is a delightful and informative illustrated tour through the 2,500-year-old history of one of the most important and beautiful branches of mathematics.

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Review:

"If you've ever thought that mathematics and art don't mix, this stunning visual history of geometry may just change your mind. As much a work of art as a book about mathematics, "Beautiful Geometry" presents more than sixty exquisite colour plates illustrating a wide range of geometric patterns and theorems, accompanied by brief accounts of the fascinating history and people behind each. . . . I heartily recommend it."--Konrad Swanepoel, "LSE Review of Books"
Honorable Mention for the 2015 PROSE Award in Popular Science & Popular Mathematics, Association of American Publishers
Honorable Mention for the 2015 PROSE Award in Popular Science & Popular Mathematics, Association of American Publishers
Honorable Mention for the 2015 PROSE Award in Popular Science & Popular Mathematics, Association of American Publishers

"Mathematicians sometimes compare well-constructed equations to works of art. To them, patterns in numbers hold a beauty at least equal to that found in any sonnet or sculpture. In this book, Maor, a math historian, teams with Jost, an artist, to reveal some of that mathematical majesty using jewel-like visualizations of classic geometric theorems. . . . The result is a book that stimulates the mind as well as the eye."--Lee Billings, Scientific American

"The combination of art and exposition was quite effective. The writing is accessible to most reasonably well-educated laypeople, and I imagine that many such people would derive considerable pleasure dipping into this attractive and interesting book."--Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews

"Eli Maor's lively writing benefits in equal parts from the geometry of ancient Greece and the eye-popping images conjured by artist Eugen Jost."--Bill Cannon, Scientist's Bookshelf

"Graphic illustrations serve as both beautiful abstract art and helpful explanations in this overview of geometric theorems and patterns."--Science News

"[The book] achieves its aim to demonstrate that there is visual beauty in Mathematics. I heartily recommend it for anyone to at least page it through, and for anyone interested in geometry to read, especially mathematics students who want to broaden their horizons and teachers of mathematics at school level."--Konrad Swanepoel, LSE Review of Books

"[A] book where art and mathematics are in perfect harmony. . . . [A]nyone with any interest in visual mathematics will love this book, which, given the quality of the reproductions, is very attractively priced. It will inspire interest in a wide variety of mathematics, and should be a compulsory purchase for sixth-form libraries."--Tony Mann, Times Higher Education

From the Back Cover:

"Mathematicians always claim their subject is beautiful. Eli Maor and Eugen Jost prove it. This is geometry as you've never seen it before. A feast for the eyes."--Ian Stewart, author of Visions of Infinity

"This book shows that math is more than theorems and proofs--it is full of history, philosophy, and glimpses of different cultures. I was immediately attracted by the book's intriguing and beautiful illustrations, and once I started reading the text, I could not stop following its fascinating stories about the origins of geometrical theorems."--Carlo H. Sequin, University of California, Berkeley

"Reading Beautiful Geometry is like touring a personal art collection, except the masterpieces here are elegantly presented theorems and constructions by ancient and modern mathematicians. Eli Maor teaches the thought process of a geometry connoisseur as he highlights important details in each of these gems, and Eugen Jost illustrates these ideas with colorful and creative artworks. Readers who like to see real math in their math books will enjoy how Beautiful Geometry brings these enduring mathematical achievements to life."--George Hart, mathematical sculptor

"Beautiful Geometry teaches and delights with its marriage of art and mathematics. The lovely illustrations range from conversation starters to dazzling Proofs Without Words--clever diagrams that explain why something is true. A feast for the eye and mind."--Frank Farris, Santa Clara University

"A beautiful book that is as delightful to see as to read. Once you start you are compelled to read the next subject, and the next, and the next."--Zentralblatt MATH

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