Synopses & Reviews
Flatland, Edwin Abbott Abbott's story of a two-dimensional universe, as told by one of its inhabitants who is introduced to the mysteries of three-dimensional space, has enjoyed an enduring popularity from the time of its publication in 1884.
This fully annotated edition enables the modern-day reader to understand and appreciate the many dimensions of this classic satire. Mathematical notes and illustrations enhance the usefulness of Flatland as an elementary introduction to higher-dimensional geometry. Historical notes show connections to late-Victorian England and to classical Greece. Citations from Abbott's other writings as well as the works of Plato and Aristotle serve to interpret the text. Commentary on language and literary style includes numerous definitions of obscure words. An appendix gives a comprehensive account of the life and work of Flatland's remarkable author.
Features of Flatland include:
- Annotations include historical notes, citations from the author's other writings as well as the works of Plato and Aristotle, and commentary on language and literary style
- Mathematical notes and illustrations enhance the usefulness of Flatland as an elementary introduction to higher-dimensional geometry
- An appendix gives a comprehensive biographical account of the life and work of Edwin Abbott
Review
"In the pantheon of popular books about mathematics, one would be hard-pressed to name another that has lasted so long in popularity or had such a dramatic impact. Generations of students have gained their first true appreciation of higher dimensions by reading this slight story written by a schoolmaster more than a century and a quarter ago. Of the more than 50 books that Abbott wrote, this is the one for which he is remembered." Colin C. Adams, American Scientist (Read the entire )
Synopsis
A fully annotated edition of Abbott's classic Flatland with notes and commentary putting it in its historical and mathematical context.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction: William F. Lindgren and Thomas F. Banchoff
Part I. This World:
- Of the nature of Flatland
- Of the climate and houses in Flatland
- Concerning the inhabitants of Flatland
- Concerning the women
- Of our methods of recognizing one another
- Of recognition by sight
- Concerning irregular figures
- Of the ancient practice of painting
- Of the universal colour bill
- Of the suppression of the chromatic sedition
- Concerning our priests
- Of the doctrine of our priests
Part II. Other Worlds:
- How I had a vision of Lineland
- How in my vision I endeavoured to explain the nature of Flatland, but could not
- Concerning a stranger from Spaceland
- How the stranger vainly endeavoured to reveal to me in words the mysteries of Spaceland
- How the sphere, having in vain tried words, resorted to deeds
- How I came to Spaceland and what I saw there
- How, though the sphere showed me other mysteries of Spaceland, I still desired more
and what came of it
- How the sphere encouraged me in a vision
- How I tried to teach the theory of three dimensions to my grandson, and with what success
- How I then tried to diffuse the theory of three dimensions by other means, and of the result
Appendix A. Critical reaction to Flatland
Appendix B. Biography and chronology of Edwin A. Abbott
References and recommended reading.