Flatterland: Like Flatland Only More So (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780738206752)

In 1884, Edwin A. Abbott published a brilliant novel about mathematics and philosophy that charmed and fascinated all of England. As both a witty satire of Victorian society and a means by which to explore the fourth dimension, Flatland remains a tour de force. Now, British mathematician and accomplished science writer Ian Stewart has written a fascinating, modern sequel to Abbott's book. Through larger-than-life characters and an inspired story line, Flatterland explores our present understanding of the shape and origins of the universe, the nature of space, time, and matter, as well as modern geometries and their applications. The journey begins when our heroine, Victoria Line, comes upon her great-great-grandfather A. Square's diary, hidden in the attic. The writings help her to contact the Space Hopper, who becomes her guide and mentor through eleven dimensions. Along the way, we meet Schrer's Cat, The Charming Construction Entity, The Mandelblot (who lives in Fractalia), and Moobius the one-sided cow. In the tradition of Alice in Wonder-land and The Phantom Toll Booth, this magnificent investigation into the nature of reality is destined to become a modern classic.

Author: Ian Stewart
ISBN-10: 073820675X
ISBN-13: 9780738206752
Publisher: Basic Books
Language: English
Published: 04/18/2002
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.40w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
New York Review of Books 12/19/2002 pg. 67