Flatterland: Like Flatland, Only More So

In 1884 Edwin A. Abbott published a brilliant novel about mathematics and philosophy that charmed and fascinated all of England. As both a witty satire of Victorian society and a means by which to explore the fourth dimension Flatland remains a tour de force. Now British mathematician and accomplished science writer Ian Stewart has written a fascinating modern sequel to Abbotts book. Through larger-than-life characters and an inspired story line Flatterland explores our present understanding of the shape and origins of the universe the nature of space time and matter as well as modern geometries and their applications. The journey begins when our heroine Victoria Line comes upon her great-great-grandfather A. Squares diary hidden in the attic. The writings help her to contact the Space Hopper who becomes her guide and mentor through eleven dimensions. Along the way we meet Schrdingers Cat The Charming Construction Entity The Mandelblot (who lives in Fractalia) and Moobius the one-sided cow. In the tradition of Alice in Wonder-land and The Phantom Toll Booth this magnificent investigation into the nature of reality is destined to become a modern classic.