|
Showing 1 - 25 of
147 matches in All Departments
The fourth dimension, humor, satire, and logic combine into a
science-fiction classic that has entertained generations.
This masterpiece of science (and mathematical) fiction is a
delightfully unique and highly entertaining satire that has charmed
readers for more than 100 years. The work of English clergyman,
educator and Shakespearean scholar Edwin A. Abbott (1838-1926), it
describes the journeys of A. Square, a mathematician and resident
of the two-dimensional Flatland, where women-thin, straight
lines-are the lowliest of shapes, and where men may have any number
of sides, depending on their social status.
Through strange occurrences that bring him into contact with a host
of geometric forms, Square has adventures in Spaceland (three
dimensions), Lineland (one dimension) and Pointland (no dimensions)
and ultimately entertains thoughts of visiting a land of four
dimensions--a revolutionary idea for which he is returned to his
two-dimensional world. Charmingly illustrated by the author,
Flatland is not only fascinating reading, it is still a first-rate
fictional introduction to the concept of the multiple dimensions of
space. "Instructive, entertaining, and stimulating to the
imagination." -- "Mathematics Teacher."
How would a creature limited to two dimensions be able to grasp the
possibility of a third? Edwin A. Abbott's droll and delightful
"romance of many dimensions" explores this conundrum in the
experiences of his protagonist, A Square, whose linear world is
invaded by an emissary Sphere bringing the gospel of the third
dimension. Part geometry lesson, part social satire, this classic
work of science fiction brilliantly succeeds in enlarging all
readers' imaginations beyond the limits of their "respective
dimensional prejudices."
This new edition begins with an introduction by Rosemary Jann that
illuminates the social and intellectual context that produced the
work and explains its relationship to the theological issues
central to Abbott's career. It also provides the most extensive
discussion to date of the class and gender issues raised by the
text and of the debates over the limits of scientific and
mathematical knowledge in which it participated.
Flatlands unique combination of astute social, philosophical, and
mathematical observations with wit and humor can be read at many
different levels, and will prove especially enjoyable to readers of
Victorian literature and philosophy.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has
made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the
globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to
scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of
other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading
authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date
bibliographies for further study, and much more.
An unabridged edition to include the original drawings by the
author, and integral footnotes of the 1899 printing
With wry humor and penetrating satire, "Flatland" takes us on a
mind-expanding journey into a different world to give us a new
vision of our own. A. Square, the slightly befuddled narrator, is
born into a place limited to two dimensions--irrevocably flat--and
peopled by a hierarchy of geometrical forms. In a Gulliver-like
tour of his bizarre homeland, A. Square spins a fascinating tale of
domestic drama and political turmoil, from sex among consenting
triangles to the intentional subjugation of Flatland's females. He
tells of visits to Lineland, the world of one dimension, and
Pointland, the world of no dimension. But when A. Square dares to
speak openly of a third, or even a fourth, dimension, his tragic
fate climaxes a brilliant parody of Victorian society. An
underground favorite since its publication in England in1884,
"Flatland" is as prophetic a science fiction classic as the works
of H. G. Wells, introducing aspects of relativity and hyperspace
years before Einstein's famous theories. And it does so with
wonderful, enduring enchantment.
With an Introduction by Valerie Smith and a New Afterword by John
Allen Paulos
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."
|
You may like...
Loot
Nadine Gordimer
Paperback
(2)
R398
R330
Discovery Miles 3 300
Loot
Nadine Gordimer
Paperback
(2)
R398
R330
Discovery Miles 3 300
|