Beautiful Geometry - Softcover

Maor, Eli; Jost, Eugen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0691175888 ISBN 13: 9780691175881

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2017

Synopsis

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 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 branches of mathematics.

About this title

About the Author

Eli Maor is the author of To Infinity and Beyond, e: The Story of a Number, Trigonometric Delights, Venus in Transit, and The Pythagorean Theorem: A 4,000-Year History (all Princeton) and has taught the history of mathematics at Loyola University Chicago. Eugen Jost is a well-known Swiss artist whose work is strongly influenced by mathematics.

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

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691175888
• ISBN 13: 9780691175881
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208