Now in a revised and expanded new edition, this volume chronologically traces the evolution of Euclidean, non-Euclidean, and relativistic theories regarding the shape of the universe. A unique, highly readable, and entertaining account, the book assumes no special mathematical knowledge. It reviews the failed classical attempts to prove the parallel postulate and provides coverage of the role of Gauss, Lobachevskii, and Bolyai in setting the foundations of modern differential geometry, which laid the groundwork for Einstein's theories of special and general relativity. This updated account...

This unique history surveys the mathematical contributions of numerous individuals noted mainly for their groundbreaking activities in other fields. It evaluates the discoveries of such luminaries as Plato, Leonardo da Vinci, Omar Khayyam, Jan de Witt, Denis Diderot, William George Horner, Antoine Arnauld, and many others, providing fascinating information on their lives and circumstances. The book also includes a valuable introductory essay by Professor Jeremy Gray, who comments on changes that have taken place in the study of history and mathematics since the initial publication of this...