Customer Reviews

The Symmetries of Things

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fascinating and thrilling take on finite groups, presented by means of planar and higher-dimensional symmetries.

Presentation will be clear and interesting to laypersons and to mathematicians. Three features distinguish this book from other discussions of symmetry.

First is the inherent interest in the subject. Symmetry is a topic of much greater importance and pervasiveness than most people realize. This book helps us see it in many places we might not think to look, and its classification and analysis is extremely informative and thought-provoking.

Second is the beauty of the examples, which deal with elegant and attractive patterns.

Third is the extraordinarily high production values of the book. The notation for symmetry utilizes different colors in a way that is clear and helpful. The pictures are carefully done. Frankly, this is one of the most beautiful books I've ever owned.

My one complaint is that the corner of the cover of the copy I got from Amazon was a bit bent. It seems like too much trouble to ship it back and get a whole new copy for this, since the text is fine. This is quite unusual for Amazon, however.

In any case, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in mathematics or even in art, from curious high school students to professional mathematicians.

This book provides a very detailed overview of two and three dimensional symmetry types, but for the non-mathematician it can be tough going as the book progresses.

One of the most base concepts of art - symmetry. "The Symmetries of Things" is a guide to this most basic concept showing that even the most basic of things can be beautiful - and addresses why the simplest of patterns mesmerize humankind and the psychological and mathematical importance of symmetry in one's every day life. "The Symmetries of Things" is an intriguing book from first page to last, highly recommended to the many collections that should welcome it.

Very clearly explained and genially illustrated. One has the feeling that one understands the first time in ones life the topics presented -- e. g. the cristalographic groups.

For those of us who haven't done advanced math in awhile, this book can best be described in one word... huh?

I give this book 2 stars instead of 1 because it would have been unfair of me to rate something so poorly that I don't understand.

People selling copies of this for up to $250! Oh Come on! You can buy a new copy here for 1/4 the price. Im all for a nice profit but thats crazy!