Geometry Through History: Euclidean, Hyperbolic, and Projective Geometries - Softcover

Dillon, Meighan I.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3030089231 ISBN 13: 9783030089238

Publisher: Springer, 2019

Synopsis

Presented as an engaging discourse, this textbook invites readers to delve into the historical origins and uses of geometry. The narrative traces the influence of Euclid’s system of geometry, as developed in his classic text The Elements, through the Arabic period, the modern era in the West, and up to twentieth century mathematics. Axioms and proof methods used by mathematicians from those periods are explored alongside the problems in Euclidean geometry that lead to their work. Students cultivate skills applicable to much of modern mathematics through sections that integrate concepts like projective and hyperbolic geometry with representative proof-based exercises.

For its sophisticated account of ancient to modern geometries, this text assumes only a year of college mathematics as it builds towards its conclusion with algebraic curves and quaternions. Euclid’s work has affected geometry for thousands of years, so this text has something to offer to anyone who wants to broaden their appreciation for the field.

About this title

Review

“While the book covers some advanced topics, it is also remarkably accessible: anyone with a year of college-level mathematics and a love of geometry will find value in this text, as Dillon (Kennesaw State Univ.) explores axioms, proofs, and an array of fascinating problems. ... One of the most appealing aspects of this book is the author's way of introducing projective geometry to pique the reader's interest in modern algebra. ... Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above.” (J. A. Bakal, Choice, Vol. 56 (03), November, 2018)

“It discusses a lot of interesting topics in geometry, it is clearly written and should be accessible to its target audience of students ... . it offers students an opportunity to see the relationship between geometry and other areas of mathematics, including abstract and linear algebra. If you are teaching a course in geometry at the college level and the topics discussed here are compatible with your course, this book certainly merits a serious look.” (Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews, October, 2018)

About the Author

Meighan Dillon is a Professor of Mathematics at Kennesaw State University. She is a life-long educator, whose research in infinite-dimensional Lie algebras is complemented by explorations in pedagogy and the use of projective geometry in art.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 3030089231
• ISBN 13: 9783030089238
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 362