This is not just a history of geometry--it's a timeline of reason and abstraction, with all the major players present: Euclid, Descartes, Gauss, Einstein and Witten, each represented by a mini-biography.

Lots of examples pepper the narrative to help readers achieve their own "eureka!" And it's impossible not to be staggered at the mathematical feats of these geniuses, accomplished as many of them were in the absence of anything but observation and intense thought. Each story builds satisfactorily upon the last until at the end of this delightful book one has a sense of having climbed a peak of understanding.

A working knowledge of basic geometry is helpful but not essential for enjoying Euclid's Window, and Mlodinow's chatty style lends itself remarkably well to explaining these deep and revolutionary concepts. --Adam Fisher

In the first three chapters the author explains the Greek origin of Euclidian geometry and its unchallenged use throughout the Dark Ages, the improvements made by Descartes in the 17th century and the struggles of 19th century German mathematicians to improve its fundamental flaws that resulted in non-Euclidian geometry. The last two chapters explain Einstein's theory of relativity as well as the unifying theory of strings and touch upon the role non-Euclidian geometry plays in them.

The details of the characters involved and their motivations in developing geometry make this book fascinating. The humouristic style of writing and the often hilarious examples make this book really enjoyable to read as well. A recommendation for anyone interested in mathematics and/or history !


A funny, well written book about the history of geometry   April 1, 2002
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book describes the history of geometry as if it was the stuff of audacious adventurers and bold explorers. Very well written indeed for such a potentially boring subject. I even had trouble putting the book down...

In the first three chapters the author explains the Greek origin of Euclidian geometry and its unchallenged use throughout the Dark Ages, the improvements made by Descartes in the 17th century and the struggles of 19th century German mathematicians to improve its fundamental flaws that resulted in non-Euclidian geometry. The last two chapters explain Einstein's theory of relativity as well as the unifying theory of strings and touch upon the role non-Euclidian geometry plays in them.

The details of the characters involved and their motivations in developing geometry make this book fascinating. The humouristic style of writing and the often hilarious examples make this book really enjoyable to read as well. A recommendation for anyone interested in mathematics and/or history !