Euler's Gem - (Princeton Science Library) by David S Richeson (Paperback)

About the Book

"First printed in 2008. New Princeton Science Library edition, with a new preface by the author, 2019"--title page verso.

Book Synopsis

How a simple equation reshaped mathematics

Leonhard Euler's polyhedron formula describes the structure of many objects--from soccer balls and gemstones to Buckminster Fuller's buildings and giant all-carbon molecules. Yet Euler's theorem is so simple it can be explained to a child. From ancient Greek geometry to today's cutting-edge research, Euler's Gem celebrates the discovery of Euler's beloved polyhedron formula and its far-reaching impact on topology, the study of shapes. Using wonderful examples and numerous illustrations, David Richeson presents this mathematical idea's many elegant and unexpected applications, such as showing why there is always some windless spot on earth, how to measure the acreage of a tree farm by counting trees, and how many crayons are needed to color any map. Filled with a who's who of brilliant mathematicians who questioned, refined, and contributed to a remarkable theorem's development, Euler's Gem will fascinate every mathematics enthusiast. This paperback edition contains a new preface by the author.

Review Quotes

"Everything in the book is very well illustrated with insightful graphics that, together with the text, make results almost like being obvious."---Adhemar Bultheel, European Mathematical Society

About the Author

David S. Richeson is professor of mathematics at Dickinson College.