Beautiful Geometry

“This is geometry as you've never seen it before. A feast for the eyes.” -Ian Stewart, author of Visions of Infinity

An exquisite visual celebration of the 2,500-year history of geometry

If you've ever thought that mathematics and art don't mix, this stunning visual history of geometry will change your mind. As much a work of art as a book about mathematics, Beautiful Geometry presents more than sixty exquisite color plates illustrating a wide range of geometric patterns and theorems, accompanied by brief accounts of the fascinating history and people behind each. With artwork by Swiss artist Eugen Jost and text by math historian Eli Maor, this unique celebration of geometry covers numerous subjects, from straightedge-and-compass constructions to intriguing configurations involving infinity. The result is a delightful and informative illustrated tour through the 2,500-year-old history of one of the most important branches of mathematics.

“Clear and lively. . . . The mathematics in this book is first-rate, but the real surprise is how well the art reflects and illuminates the topic at hand. . . . All of it is lovely to look at. . . . [Beautiful Geometry] rises to the level of a coffee-table art book, only with a lot more depth.” -Mathematical Reviews

“Graphic illustrations serve as both beautiful abstract art and helpful explanations in this overview of geometric theorems and patterns.” -Science News

“Visually stunning. . . . [Beautiful Geometry] raises fundamental questions, answered thousands of years later and evidencing the progress made. . . . This is an engaging book of broad appeal and a colourful approach to the history of geometry.” -Mathematics Today