Audiobook3 hours
The King of Infinite Space: Euclid and His Elements
Written by David Berlinski
Narrated by Arthur Morey
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
()
About this audiobook
Geometry defines the world around us, helping us make sense of everything from architecture to military science to fashion. And for over two thousand years, geometry has been equated with Euclid's Elements, arguably the most influential book in the history of mathematics.
In The King of Infinite Space, renowned mathematics writer David Berlinski provides a concise homage to this elusive mathematician and his staggering achievements. Berlinski shows that, for centuries, scientists and thinkers from Copernicus to Newton to Einstein have relied on Euclid's axiomatic system, a method of proof still taught in classrooms around the world. Euclid's use of elemental logic-and the mathematical statements he and others built from it-have dramatically expanded the frontiers of human knowledge.
In The King of Infinite Space, renowned mathematics writer David Berlinski provides a concise homage to this elusive mathematician and his staggering achievements. Berlinski shows that, for centuries, scientists and thinkers from Copernicus to Newton to Einstein have relied on Euclid's axiomatic system, a method of proof still taught in classrooms around the world. Euclid's use of elemental logic-and the mathematical statements he and others built from it-have dramatically expanded the frontiers of human knowledge.
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Reviews for The King of Infinite Space
Rating: 4.125 out of 5 stars
4/5
8 ratings3 reviews
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5I listened to this book as a CD while driving to/from work. This did not work well as some of the book refers to diagrams and equations. In spite of that it was an interesting discussion, which bordered on philosophy at times. The author also has an entertaining sense of humor.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5David Berlinski, a renowned mathematician and philosopher, takes us on a fun but informative tour of Euclid's Elements. It's a joy to read as he explains the logistical building of Euclid's mathematics and makes observations on its current position. It was a deep inquiry that synthesized and refined Euclid, in my opinion. It goes beyond storytelling to demonstrate a way of living and, in a sense, resurrect Euclid.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I liked this book but I need to relearn mathematics (particularly the geometry) to really appreciate this book. Also, the print or ebook format would be more suitable to digest the information. That being said, I am now motivated to reinvigorate my math skills and reread this book!