Books Like...
'Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions' by Edwin A. Abbott is a mathematical fiction novella that takes readers on a journey through various dimensions, exploring the concept of shapes and dimensions. The book presents a satirical commentary on Victorian society while engaging readers with an intriguing thought experiment of living in worlds of different dimensions. Through the eyes of a two-dimensional protagonist, the story delves into the challenges and wonders of understanding higher dimensions, offering a unique perspective on geometry and societal norms.
The narrative unfolds as the protagonist, A. Square, navigates through different dimensions, encountering beings and societies that challenge his understanding of the world. The book blends elements of social satire, mathematical exploration, and philosophical inquiry, inviting readers to ponder on the complexities of existence, perception, and societal structures in a thought-provoking and imaginative manner.
If you liked Flatland, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'The Parrot's Theorem' by Denis Guedj is a fictional story about an old man who inherits a library of mathematical books. Along with his cohabitants, they attempt to solve mathematical problems that take them on a journey through the history of mathematics. The plot intertwines interesting historical anecdotes of mathematicians with a thrilling storyline involving a Parrot and a deaf child, making the learning of mathematics history entertaining and accessible. is written in a way that aims to make the complex subject of math history engaging and fun, especially for teachers looking for creative ways to teach the challenging subject.
The writing style of the book incorporates dialogue involving teenagers and integrates mathematical theories into an entertaining plot. While some opinions critique the credibility of the relationships and reactions of the characters, overall, the book presents an intriguing and educational narrative that combines math history with a compelling storyline set in various locations like Paris and Manaus. Despite some translation quirks, readers find the math history presented in a palatable manner, making it a unique and enjoyable read for those interested in the history of mathematics and western culture.
Max Liard set out over the hill to the flea market at Clignancourt, as he did every Saturday. He rummaged for a while on the stall where his sister had traded in the Nikes that Perrette, their mother,... 'Humble Pi: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World' by Matt Parker is a humorous yet informative book that delves into the real-world implications of mathematical errors. Through a series of anecdotes and examples, Parker highlights the consequences of misunderstanding math, from programming errors to engineering mishaps. The writing style is a blend of comedy and tragedy, showcasing how seemingly small math mistakes can lead to significant real-world disasters, such as bridge collapses, stock market crises, and even the deaths of hundreds of people.
The book not only explores the history of math-related errors but also emphasizes the importance of math in everyday life. With a focus on both the humorous and critical aspects of math mistakes, Parker manages to engage readers with his witty narration and insightful explanations. By combining silly math errors with real-world consequences, 'Humble Pi' offers a unique perspective on the significance of accurate calculations and the impact of math in various fields.
On 14 September 2004 around eight hundred aircraft were making long-distance flights above Southern California. A mathematical mistake was about to threaten the lives of the tens of thousands of peopl...'Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea' by Charles Seife delves into the origins and significance of the number zero, exploring its historical journey and impact on mathematics and science. The author presents a captivating narrative that traces the evolution of zero through different cultures and time periods, shedding light on how this seemingly simple concept has shaped our understanding of the universe. Seife's writing style is described as engaging and informative, making complex mathematical theories accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
- #4
'Fermat's Last Theorem' by Simon Singh delves into the intriguing and challenging journey of mathematicians attempting to solve a centuries-old unsolved theorem proposed by Pierre de Fermat. Through a blend of history, mathematics, and biographical details, the book chronicles the various attempts, struggles, and eventual success in proving this elusive theorem. Singh's writing style is engaging, making complex mathematical concepts accessible to readers without a strong background in mathematics.
'Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension' by Matt Parker is a fun and engaging exploration of various mathematical concepts presented in a recreational and humorous manner. The book covers topics ranging from numbers and knots to higher dimensions and infinities, all while incorporating real-world applications and historical references. Parker's writing style is accessible and entertaining, making complex math concepts understandable through clear explanations, examples, and hands-on activities that engage readers of all levels of mathematical background.
Have a look around you and find a drinking vessel, like a pint glass or a coffee mug. Despite appearances, almost certainly the distance around the glass will be greater than its height. Something lik...'The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure' by Hans Magnus Enzensberger follows the story of twelve-year-old Robert who dreams about a number devil that introduces him to the wonders of mathematics. Through a series of dreams, Robert learns about various mathematical concepts like prime numbers, square roots, and Fibonacci numbers. uses a fun and engaging approach to make mathematics simple and beautiful, appealing to both children and adults alike. The plot unfolds through dream sequences that showcase the magic and wonder of numbers, making math fun and interesting for readers of all ages.
and the rest, which cannot. I much prefer the latter. You know why? Because they’re such prima donnas. From the very first they’ve caused mathematicians no end of trouble. Wonderful numbers those! Lik...Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth by Apostolos Doxiadis is a graphic novel that delves into the life and struggles of Bertrand Russell as he attempts to provide absolute certainty in the midst of protests against the United States' involvement in World War II. The book employs beautiful artwork to narrate Russell's journey through mathematics and philosophy, highlighting his interactions with prominent figures like Whitehead, Wittgenstein, and Godel. The narrative captures the foundational crisis in mathematics and the philosophical significance of logic through a thought-provoking moral lesson.
The book's unique storytelling approach combines an autobiographical form with discussions on innovations in thinking, all situated within the context of protests and lectures. Through an engaging mix of history, mathematics, and philosophy, Logicomix provides a deep, complex portrait of Bertrand Russell while exploring the lives of mathematical geniuses and their pursuit of truth in a world filled with uncertainties.
Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R. Hofstadter is a monumental work that delves into the interconnectedness of mathematics, art, music, and philosophy. The book navigates through complex topics such as self-reference, formal systems, and consciousness, drawing analogies between different fields to explore the essence of human intellect and creativity. Through a series of dialogues, the author weaves together the works of Gödel, Escher, and Bach to create a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating narrative.
Hofstadter's writing style is described as witty, erudite, and engaging, making even challenging subjects accessible to readers. The book is a fusion of various disciplines, offering a unique perspective on intelligence, patterns, and the nature of reality. With a blend of humor, deep insights, and intricate explorations, the book takes readers on a journey that challenges their thinking and perception of the world around them.
Introduction: A Musico-Logical Offering. The book opens with the story of Bach's Musical Offering. Bach made an impromptu visit to King Frederick, the Great of Prussia, and was requested to improvise ...- #9
'Lost in the City' by Edward P. Jones is a collection of short stories set in Washington DC during the 50's to 70's, focusing on black characters, many of whom are elderly. The stories capture the nuances of life and human struggles, portraying the characters' efforts to make sense of their existence. Jones skillfully brings out the mood and situations of the urban black community, with a particular emphasis on female-centric narratives that depict the central role women play in holding the community together.
Her father would say years later that she had dreamed that part of it, that she had never gone out through the kitchen window at two or three in the morning to visit the birds. By that time in his lif... - #10
Isaac Asimov's 'Fantastic Voyage I' is a novelization of a movie screenplay where a team of specialists is miniaturized and injected into a scientist's body to clear a blood clot in his brain. The story combines elements of science fiction, adventure, and suspense as the team navigates through the human body to save the scientist's life. Asimov's writing style is characterized by his ability to explain complex scientific concepts in an engaging way, although some readers note limitations in character development and romantic relationships within the narrative.
This story, which has grown into both a book and film, has several authors, all of whom have contributed to its present form in many different ways. For all of us, it was a long and arduous task and a...