|
Euclid begins by stating a few a definitions and logical rules. 'A line is a breathless length' and 'Things that are equal to the same thing are equal to each other'. The proofs that follow are simple and elegant. The second flowing from the first in a natural sequence. But this is no higgledy piggledy random wandering. In the first book the author leads the reader to Pythagoras theorem. Just as every statement Euclid makes is essential to the proof, every proof is essential to the book's goal. The clarity and beauty of this book is something to behold Heath's commentary is a very interesting complement. He provides alternative ancient and modern proofs as well as notes on the historical development of the mathematics. A word of warning - this book took me about six months to read. I was unable to follow the book without following the proofs with a compass, ruler etc. However, if you are prepared to put in the time the rewards are considerable.
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada