Flatland
An Edition with Notes and Commentary

A fully annotated edition of Abbott's classic Flatland, with notes and commentary putting it in its historical and mathematical context.

Edwin A. Abbott (Author), William F. Lindgren (Author), Thomas F. Banchoff (Author)

9780521759946, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 27 November 2009

306 pages, 44 b/w illus. 1 table
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.41 kg

"With their informative notes, Banchoff and Lindgren add immeasurably to the text. In addition to explanations of arcane terminology and of the mathematics involved, they provide the background necessary to understand the book in the context of Victorian England. It is a period during which entrenched ideas, both social and scientific, were undergoing dramatic metamorphosis. Banchoff and Lindgren’s comments on Abbott and his milieu allow the reader to comprehend this fascinating turning point in history. ... The plethora of fascinating background information and detail will make you appreciate the book at a much deeper level."
American Scientist

Flatland, Edwin Abbott's story of a two-dimensional universe, as told by one of its inhabitants who is introduced to the mysteries of three-dimensional space, has enjoyed an enduring popularity from the time of its publication in 1884. This fully annotated edition enables the modern-day reader to understand and appreciate the many 'dimensions' of this classic satire. Mathematical notes and illustrations enhance the usefulness of Flatland as an elementary introduction to higher-dimensional geometry. Historical notes show connections to late-Victorian England and to classical Greece. Citations from Abbott's other writings as well as the works of Plato and Aristotle serve to interpret the text. Commentary on language and literary style includes numerous definitions of obscure words. An appendix gives a comprehensive account of the life and work of Flatland's remarkable author.

Introduction William F. Lindgren and Thomas F. Banchoff
Part I. This World: 1. Of the nature of Flatland
2. Of the climate and houses in Flatland
3. Concerning the inhabitants of Flatland
4. Concerning the women
5. Of our methods of recognizing one another
6. Of recognition by sight
7. Concerning irregular figures
8. Of the ancient practice of painting
9. Of the universal colour bill
10. Of the suppression of the chromatic sedition
11. Concerning our priests
12. Of the doctrine of our priests
Part II. Other Worlds: 13. How I had a vision of Lineland
14. How in my vision I endeavoured to explain the nature of Flatland, but could not
15. Concerning a stranger from Spaceland
16. How the stranger vainly endeavoured to reveal to me in words the mysteries of Spaceland
17. How the sphere, having in vain tried words, resorted to deeds
18. How I came to Spaceland and what I saw there
19. How, though the sphere showed me other mysteries of Spaceland, I still desired more, and what came of it
20. How the sphere encouraged me in a vision
21. How I tried to teach the theory of three dimensions to my grandson, and with what success
22. How I then tried to diffuse the theory of three dimensions by other means, and of the result
Appendix A. Critical reaction to Flatland
Appendix B. Biography and chronology of Edwin A. Abbott
References and recommended reading.

Subject Areas: Geometry [PBM], Classic fiction [pre c 1945 FC]