Euler's Gem: The Polyhedron Formula and the Birth of Topology - Softcover

Richeson, David S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0691154570 ISBN 13: 9780691154572

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2012

Synopsis

Title: Euler's Gem <>Binding: Paperback <>Author: Richeson, David S. <>Publisher: University Press Group Ltd

About this title

Review

"Euler's Gem is a thoroughly satisfying meditation on one of mathematics' loveliest formulas. The author begins with Euler's act of seeing what no one previously had, and returns repeatedly to the resulting formula with ever more careful emendations and ever-widening points of view. This highly nuanced narrative sweeps the reader into the cascade of interlocking ideas which undergird modern topology and lend it its power and beauty."--Donal O'Shea, author of The Poincaré Conjecture: In Search of the Shape of the Universe

"Appealing and accessible to a general audience, this well-organized, well-supported, and well-written book contains vast amounts of information not found elsewhere. Euler's Gem is a significant and timely contribution to the field."--Edward Sandifer, Western Connecticut State University

"Beginning with Euler's famous polyhedron formula, continuing to modern concepts of 'rubber geometry, ' and advancing all the way to the proof of Poincaré's Conjecture, Richeson's well-written and well-illustrated book is a gentle tour de force of topology."--George G. Szpiro, author of Poincaré's Prize: The Hundred-Year Quest to Solve One of Math's Greatest Puzzles

"A fascinating and accessible excursion through two thousand years of mathematics. From Plato's Academy, via the bridges of Königsberg, to the world of knots, soccer balls, and geodesic domes, the author's enthusiasm shines through. This attractive introduction to the origins of topology deserves to be widely read."--Robin Wilson, author of Four Colors Suffice: How the Map Problem Was Solved

"Euler's Gem is a very good book. It succeeds in explaining complicated concepts in engaging layman's terms. Richeson is keenly aware of where the difficult twists and turns are located, and he covers them to satisfaction. This book is engaging and a joy to read."--Alejandro López-Ortiz, University of Waterloo

"One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2009"

"This is an excellent book about a great man and a timeless formula."---Charles Ashbacher, Journal of Recreational Mathematics

"The book is a pleasure to read for professional mathematicians, students of mathematicians or anyone with a general interest in mathematics."--European Mathematical Society Newsletter

"I highly recommend this book for teachers interested in geometry or topology, particularly for university faculty. The examples, proofs, and historical anecdotes are interesting, informative, and useful for encouraging classroom discussions. Advanced students will also glimpse the broad horizons of mathematics by reading (and working through) the book."---Dustin L. Jones, Mathematics Teacher

"Winner of the 2010 Euler Book Prize, Mathematical Association of America"

About the Author

David S. Richeson is associate professor of mathematics at Dickinson College.

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0691154570
• ISBN 13: 9780691154572
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 336