Polyhedra

This book comprehensively documents the many and varied ways that polyhedra have come to the fore throughout the development of mathematics.

Peter R. Cromwell (Author)

9780521664059, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 22 July 1999

476 pages, 16 colour illus.
25.4 x 17.8 x 2.4 cm, 0.82 kg

' … well-illustrated throughout with line diagrams, as well as several colour plates of the author's own superb models. The writing is clear and entertaining, and reassuringly anticipates many of the reader's questions.' Thomas Bending, The Mathematical Gazette

Polyhedra have cropped up in many different guises throughout recorded history. In modern times, polyhedra and their symmetries have been cast in a new light by combinatorics and group theory. This book comprehensively documents the many and varied ways that polyhedra have come to the fore throughout the development of mathematics. The author strikes a balance between covering the historical development of the theory surrounding polyhedra, and presenting a rigorous treatment of the mathematics involved. It is attractively illustrated with dozens of diagrams to illustrate ideas that might otherwise prove difficult to grasp. Historians of mathematics as well as those more interested in the mathematics itself, will find this unique book fascinating.

Introduction
1. Indivisible, inexpressible and unavoidable
2. Rules and regularity
3. Decline and rebirth of polyhedral geometry
4. Fantasy, harmony and uniformity
5. Surfaces, solids and spheres
6. Equality, rigidity and flexibility
7. Stars, stellations, and skeletons
8. Symmetry, shape and structure
9. Counting, colouring and computing
10. Combination, transformation and decoration
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Geometry [PBM]