Flatland: An Edition with Notes and CommentaryFlatland, Edwin Abbott 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. |
Contents
Flatland with Notes and Commentary | 15 |
Other Worlds | 115 |
Concerning a Stranger from Spaceland | 138 |
16 | 146 |
How the Sphere having in vain tried words resorted | 164 |
26 | 167 |
How though the Sphere showed me other mysteries | 180 |
How the Sphere encouraged me in a Vision | 196 |
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Common terms and phrases
Abbott alliteration Analogy angle appeared become believe brother Cambridge Circle City of London classical close College common continued cube describes dimensional direction edition English equal example existence experience facts feel Figure Flatland followed four Fourth Dimension geometry give Greek Hexagon higher human imagination inches inside Irregular Isosceles knowledge land length letter London London School look Lord master mathematics means motion moving mysteries nature Notes object observed once origin Oxford pass perfect person plane polygon position possible Press published readers regular remained replied School seemed sense sides sight solid space Spaceland Sphere Square Square’s Straight Line Stranger suggests teachers teaching things third thought triangle truth understand University Victorian vision voice whole Wife Woman Women writing