Ideas of Space 'Euclidean, Non-Euclidean and Realativistic' 2/Ed.

Jeremy Gray

ISBN 10: 0198539355 / ISBN 13: 9780198539353

Published by Oxford University Press (UK) Sep 1989, 1989

About this Item

Neuware - Now in a revised and expanded new edition, this volume chronologically traces the evolution of Euclidean, non-Euclidean, and relativistic theories regarding the shape of the universe. A unique, highly readable, and entertaining account, the book assumes no special mathematical knowledge. It reviews the failed classical attempts to prove the parallel postulate and provides coverage of the role of Gauss, Lobachevskii, and Bolyai in setting the foundations of modern differential geometry, which laid the groundwork for Einstein's theories of special and general relativity. This updated account includes a new chapter on Islamic contributions to this area, as well as additional information on gravitation, the nature of space and black holes.

Seller Inventory # 9780198539353

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Ideas of Space 'Euclidean, Non-Euclidean and Realativistic' 2/Ed.
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (UK) Sep 1989
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198539355
• ISBN 13: 9780198539353
• Binding: Buch
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 245W x 164H x 19D millimeters 245 millimeters width by 164 millimeters height by 19 millimeters depth
• Weight: 516 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The history of the development of Euclidean, non-Euclidean, and relativistic ideas of the shape of the universe, is presented in this lively account by Jeremy Gray.

The parallel postulate of Euclidean geometry occupies a unique position in the history of mathematics. In this book, Jeremy Gray reviews the failure of classical attempts to prove the postulate and then proceeds to show how the work of Gauss, Lobachevskii, and Bolyai, laid the foundations of modern differential geometry, by constructing geometries in which the parallel postulate fails. These investigations in turn enabled the formulation of Einstein's theories of special and general relativity, which today form the basis of our conception of the universe.

The author has made every attempt to keep the pre-requisites to a bare minimum. This immensely readable account, contains historical and mathematical material which make it suitable for undergraduate students in the history of science and mathematics.

For the second edition, the author has taken the opportunity to update much of the material, and to add a chapter on the emerging story of the Arabic contribution to this fascinating aspect of the history of mathematics.

Review

Reviews of this edition 'a very readable book that is stimulating and thought provoking.' New Scientist

From reviews of the first edition `Jeremy Gray has provided a superb exposition which tells a good story.' Mathematics Teaching

'This promises to become a classic text for those interested in considering changing mathematical perceptions of space. Gray's book is a pleasure to read.' Historia Mathematica

`An admirable exposition for well-educated laymen of the evolution of geometrical thought from before Euclid to black holes.' American Mathematical Monthly