Gems of Geometry

Beschreibung

Based on a series of lectures the author prepared for adult students at Reading University in the UK, this lively and entertaining book proves that, far from being a dusty, dull subject, geometry is in fact full of beauty and fascination. The author's infectious enthusiasm is put to use in explaining many of the key concepts in the field, starting with the Golden Number and taking the reader on a geometrical journey via Shapes and Solids, Circles and Spheres, Projective Geometry and Topology, into and out of the Fourth Dimension, and finishing up with Einstein's Theories of Relativity.

Aimed at a general readership, and requiring only a basic understanding of mathematics, the text uses examples such as soap bubbles to make accessible complex subjects such as Chaos and Fractals, Steiner's porism and Soddy's Hexlet. It includes a wealth of the author's own diagrams and illustrations, of which several are in stereo. As well as material based on the lectures themselves, including sets of exercises, the book features a number of appendices that cover related topics and provide further reading and information.

Equally ideal as an educational gift for a youngster or as a nostalgic journey back into the world of mathematics for older readers, John Barnes' book is the perfect antidote for anyone whose maths lessons at school are a source of painful memories. Where once geometry was a source of confusion and frustration, Barnes brings enlightenment and entertainment.

Based on a series of lectures for adult students, this is a lively and entertaining text that explains many of the key concepts in geometry. It includes numerous illustrations and features appendices on related topics.

Based on a series of lectures for adult students, this lively and entertaining book proves that, far from being a dusty, dull subject, geometry is in fact full of beauty and fascination. The author's infectious enthusiasm is put to use in explaining many of the key concepts in the field, starting with the Golden Number and taking the reader on a geometrical journey via Shapes and Solids, through the Fourth Dimension, finishing up with Einstein's Theories of Relativity.

Aimed at a general readership, the text makes accessible complex subjects such as Chaos and Fractals. It includes a wealth of the author's own illustrations and features appendices on related topics.

Equally suitable as a gift for a youngster or as a nostalgic journey back into the world of mathematics for older readers, John Barnes' book is the perfect antidote for anyone whose maths lessons at school are a source of painful memories. Where once geometry was a source of confusion and frustration, Barnes brings enlightenment and entertainment.

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John Barnes

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From the reviews:

“The content is fairly standard stuff: we learn about the golden ratio, explore Platonic and Archimedian shapes and solids in two and three dimensions … . Each chapter ends with a detailed description of recommended further reading … . The book is illustrated with vibrant colour figures, some produced in stereo … . And there are plenty of exercises and suggestions which encourage you to make or colour in shapes and patterns … . a book designed to be dipped into, explored, enjoyed and savoured.” (Anna Faherty, + Plus Magazine, April, 2011)

“This book demonstrates in lively and entertaining way that the geometry is in fact full of beauty and fascination. … final a lot of interesting and remarkable supplements and appendices.” (Erhard Quaisser, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1195, 2010)

“The aim is to make subjects … accessible and appropriate to a lay audience. … In many ways this book is very engaging. … The text is peppered with appropriate diagrams which makes the narrative much easier to follow. The range of topics is impressive … . this is certainly a labour of love and it has many excellent features. … I am sure this would be an excellent addition to the school library or a prize for eager students.” (Gerry Leversha, The Mathematical Gazette, Vol. 95 (532), March, 2011)

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