Geometry, Relativity and the Fourth Dimension
by Rudolf V.B. Rucker
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Description
This is a highly readable, popular exposition of the fourth dimension and the structure of the universe. A remarkable pictorial discussion of the curved space-time we call home, it achieves even greater impact through the use of 141 excellent illustrations. This is the first sustained visual account of many important topics in relativity theory that up till now have only been treated separately. Finding a perfect analogy in the situation of the geometrical characters in Flatland, Professor show more Rucker continues the adventures of the two-dimensional world visited by a three-dimensional being to explain our three-dimensional world in terms of the fourth dimension. Following this adventure into the fourth dimension, the author discusses non-Euclidean geometry, curved space, time as a higher dimension, special relativity, time travel, and the shape of space-time. The mathematics is sound throughout, but the casual reader may skip those few sections that seem too purely mathematical and still follow the line of argument. Readable and interesting in itself, the annotated bibliography is a valuable guide to further study. Professor Rucker teaches mathematics at the State University of New York in Geneseo. Students and laymen will find his discussion to be unusually stimulating. Experienced mathematicians and physicists will find a great deal of original material here and many unexpected novelties. Annotated bibliography. 44 problems. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
This, paired with Hawkins's Brief History of Time, is perhaps the best approach for getting a solid understanding of space-time dimensions. Rucker does a great job balancing crowd-pleasing speculation with sound mathematics.
An oldie but goody.
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Author Information
158+ Works 10,537 Members
Rudy Rucker is a mathematician, computer scientist, professor, and writer who has twice won the Philip K. Dick Award for best SF paperback original, and has published a number of successful popular books on mathematical subjects, including The Fourth Dimension and Infinity and the Mind. He lives in Los Gatos, California.
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Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1977
- People/Characters
- A. Square
- First words
- This book is about the fourth dimension and the structure of our universe.
We live in three-dimensional space. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)....Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)In Gardner's book one can also find references to descriptions of Slade's eventual loss of credibility.
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- Members
- 480
- Popularity
- 63,203
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.81)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 2
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
- 1
