Overview

Geometry Civilized is a unique combination of history and mathematics. It contains a full introduction to plane geometry and trigonometry within a fascinating historical framework that sets off the technical material. This approach to geometrical ideas gives the book its unique, readable style. The author has included a wide range of unusual and engaging geometric problems, many of which are taken from practical applications, drawn from sources ranging from ancient to modern. The study of geometry has been an important element of education in Europe since the time of the Greeks. This book helps us to understand why such emphasis has been placed on obtaining a good understanding of geometry. But the history presented here is not confined to the Western tradition. Examples drawn from other cultures, particularly Chinese and Indian, underscore the peculiarities of the geometry we have inherited from the Greeks, and thereby make Euclid's approach more accessible. Book reviews from the hardback: 'He has written a marvellous tale of how, throughout much of recorded history, geometrical thinking and civilisation have been closely intertwined...Definitely a book to dip into and reflect on a superior form of brainfood for the beach this summer perhaps? Heilbron's enthusiasm is contagious.' Ian Stewart, New Scientist 'The book is wonderfully illustrated. There are diagrams on almost every page, apt illustrations from older books, and well chosen photographs, together with eight colour plates. The appearance of the book is quite seductive, for which Oxford University Press should be congratulated.' Jeremy Gray, Nature 'This is a handsome book, well researched and entertainingly written. It shows how powerfully a historically informed account can communicate. If you thought Euclidean geometry was something only your great-grandparents did - try it, you will be surprised.' BJune Barrow-Green, The TIMES Higher Education Supplement

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9780198506904

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Reviews

... a textbook on elementary geometry. But perhaps it is attractive also for professionals because of many historical remarks, some nice illustrations, and a lot of unusual problems and applications. Annals of Science Heilbron combines history and science and presents a cross-cultural examination of topics in a lavishly illustrated book. zentralblatt fur mathematik This wonfderful book is a combination of mathematics, its history, and the history of civilisation and culture (architecture, painting, measuring, astronomy, etc) ... conatins some fascinating historical description ... A lot of effort is spent on increasing our understanding of geometry. the author carefully explains solutions of some geometrical methods and proofs ... There are diagrams on nearly every page, illustrations from older books, photographs and eight colour plates. EMS

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