Polyhedra

ISBN-13: 9780521664059 / Angielski / Miękka / 1999 / 476 str.

Peter R Cromwell

Opis

Polyhedra have cropped up in many different guises throughout recorded history. Recently, polyhedra and their symmetries have been cast in a new light by combinatorics and group theory. This unique text comprehensively documents the many and varied ways that polyhedra have come to the fore throughout the development of mathematics. The author strikes a balance between covering the historical development of the theory surrounding polyhedra and rigorous treatment of the mathematics involved. Attractively illustrated--including 16 color plates--Polyhedra elucidates ideas that have proven difficult to grasp. Mathematicians, as well as historians of mathematics, will find this book fascinating.

Recenzje

' … well-illustrated throughout with line diagrams, as well as several colour plates of the author's own superb models. The writing is clear and entertaining, and reassuringly anticipates many of the reader's questions.' Thomas Bending, The Mathematical Gazette

Spis treści

Introduction; 1. Indivisible, inexpressible and unavoidable; 2. Rules and regularity; 3. Decline and rebirth of polyhedral geometry; 4. Fantasy, harmony and uniformity; 5. Surfaces, solids and spheres; 6. Equality, rigidity and flexibility; 7. Stars, stellations, and skeletons; 8. Symmetry, shape and structure; 9. Counting, colouring and computing; 10. Combination, transformation and decoration; Appendices.