The Curves of Life (Dover Books Explaining Science) [Paperback]

Theodore A. Cook (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 048623701X | ISBN-13: 978-0486237015 | Publication Date: February 1, 1979

Classic, well-thought-out examination of the function of the spiral, or helix, in both nature and art. Demonstrates how spiral is fundamental to structure of shells, leaves, horns, human body, drawings of Leonardo, Leaning Tower of Pisa, more. 1914 edition. 426 illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (February 1, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 048623701X
• ISBN-13: 978-0486237015
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #239,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spirals in nature and in art, April 15, 2006

By 

Eugene B. Bergmann - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Curves of Life (Dover Books Explaining Science) (Paperback)

This book (originally published in 1914) is a comprehensive and extraordinary description of spiral formations. It's definitive--a must for anyone interested in art and in the way nature operates.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sacred Geometry in Nature, June 4, 2009

By 

Ronin - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Curves of Life (Dover Books Explaining Science) (Paperback)

A fascinating and comprehensive investigation into the perfect geometry of the natural world, originally published in 1914. The book studies and explores the spiral, or helix, and its mathematical expression through The Golden Ratio. The Curves of Life will excite both naturalists and mathematicians. The book should also appeal to market technicians involved with Fibonacci sequencing and Elliot Wave analysis. This is an intense read and not something most of us can pour through quickly, so while I highly recommend it to people interested in this subject, be prepared for a major commitment. Be sure to do a Look Inside to review the table of contents and verify your interest. Those who take the plunge will be well rewarded. This is a very special book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good "old book", February 7, 2011

By 

J. Scott Shipman (Annandale, VA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Curves of Life (Dover Books Explaining Science) (Paperback)

Excellent and "profusely illustrated" volume on every sort of curve (spiral) you can imagine; both in the natural world and in architecture. Some of the "science" may have been overtaken, but that does not detract from the overall quality. Written in 1914, the Dover edition is surprisingly readable and informative. Recommended.