Flatland
Flatland
William F. Lindgren, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Thomas F. Banchoff, Brown University, Rhode Island
Flatland, Edwin 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.
- 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
Product details
No date availableHardback
9780521769884
304 pages
235 × 158 × 20 mm
0.52kg
44 b/w illus. 1 table
Table of Contents
- Introduction William F. Lindgren and Thomas F. Banchoff
- Part I. This World:
- 1. Of the nature of Flatland
- 2. Of the climate and houses in Flatland
- 3. Concerning the inhabitants of Flatland
- 4. Concerning the women
- 5. Of our methods of recognizing one another
- 6. Of recognition by sight
- 7. Concerning irregular figures
- 8. Of the ancient practice of painting
- 9. Of the universal colour bill
- 10. Of the suppression of the chromatic sedition
- 11. Concerning our priests
- 12. Of the doctrine of our priests
- Part II. Other Worlds:
- 13. How I had a vision of Lineland
- 14. How in my vision I endeavoured to explain the nature of Flatland, but could not
- 15. Concerning a stranger from Spaceland
- 16. How the stranger vainly endeavoured to reveal to me in words the mysteries of Spaceland
- 17. How the sphere, having in vain tried words, resorted to deeds
- 18. How I came to Spaceland and what I saw there
- 19. How, though the sphere showed me other mysteries of Spaceland, I still desired more, and what came of it
- 20. How the sphere encouraged me in a vision
- 21. How I tried to teach the theory of three dimensions to my grandson, and with what success
- 22. 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.
