Polyhedra have cropped up in many different guises throughout recorded history. In modern times, polyhedra and their symmetries have been cast in a new light by combinatorics an d group theory. This book comprehensively documents the many and varied ways that polyhedra have come to the fore throughout the development of mathematics. The author strikes a balance between covering the historical development of the theory surrounding polyhedra, and presenting a rigorous treatment of the mathematics involved. It is attractively illustrated with dozens of diagrams to illustrate ideas that might otherwise prove difficult to grasp. Historians of mathematics, as well as those more interested in the mathematics itself, will find this unique book fascinating.

This classic geometry text explores the theory of 3-dimensional convex polyhedra in a unique fashion, with exceptional detail. Vital and clearly written, the book includes the basics of convex polyhedra and collects the most general existence theorems for convex polyhedra that are proved by a new and unified method. This edition includes a comprehensive bibliography by V.A. Zalgaller, and related papers as supplements to the original text.

Demonstrates the properties of geometrical structures by showing how to buid three-dimensional shapes using easily accessible materials.

he author describes simply and carefully how to make models of all the known uniform polyhedra and some of the stellated forms.

This second edition is based off of the very popular Shaping Space: A Polyhedral Approach, first published twenty years ago. The book is expanded and updated to include new developments, including the revolutions in visualization and model-making that the computer has wrought. Shaping Space is an exuberant, richly-illustrated, interdisciplinary guide to three-dimensional forms, focusing on the suprisingly diverse world of polyhedra. Geometry comes alive in Shaping Space, as a remarkable range of geometric ideas is explored and its centrality in our cultre is persuasively demonstrated. The book is addressed to designers, artists, architects, engineers, chemists, computer scientists, mathematicians, bioscientists, crystallographers, earth scientists, and teachers at all levels—in short, to all scholars and educators interested in, and working with, two- and three-dimensinal structures and patterns.

Learn to fold incredible geometric origami models from "The Queen of Modular Origami!" In this book, Tomoko Fuse--Japan's most famous living origami artist--shows you how to create amazing polyhedral models using the techniques of modular origami (where many paper sheets are folded then locked together without glue or tape). Make 64 intriguing modular models, including: Stackable Modules--The perfect starting point for novices, these simple constructions result in stunning three-dimensional forms 3-D Stars--Dazzling decorative starbursts that look great on a Christmas tree, on your mantle--or even in an art gallery Manifold Modulars--"Inception-like" models in which individual modular constructions themselves become modules within a larger piece Cubes and Boxes--Perfect for gift giving--and there is no finer teacher for these than renowned origami box specialist Tomoko Fuse And many more! *Recommended for experienced folders and up*

The present essay stems from a history of polyhedra from 1750 to 1866 written several years ago (as part of a more general work, not published). So many contradictory statements regarding a Descartes manuscript and Euler, by various mathematicians and historians of mathematics, were encountered that it was decided to write a separate study of the relevant part of the Descartes manuscript on polyhedra. The contemplated short paper grew in size, as only a detailed treatment could be of any value. After it was completed it became evident that the entire manuscript should be treated and the work grew some more. The result presented here is, I hope, a complete, accurate, and fair treatment of the entire manuscript. While some views and conclusions are expressed, this is only done with the facts before the reader, who may draw his or her own conclusions. I would like to express my appreciation to Professors H. S. M. Coxeter, Branko Griinbaum, Morris Kline, and Dr. Heinz-Jiirgen Hess for reading the manuscript and for their encouragement and suggestions. I am especially indebted to Dr. Hess, of the Leibniz-Archiv, for his assistance in connection with the manuscript. I have been greatly helped in preparing the translation ofthe manuscript by the collaboration of a Latin scholar, Mr. Alfredo DeBarbieri. The aid of librarians is indispensable, and I am indebted to a number of them, in this country and abroad, for locating material and supplying copies.

Did you know that any straight-line drawing on paper can be folded so that the complete drawing can be cut out with one straight scissors cut? That there is a planar linkage that can trace out any algebraic curve, or even 'sign your name'? Or that a 'Latin cross' unfolding of a cube can be refolded to 23 different convex polyhedra? Over the past decade, there has been a surge of interest in such problems, with applications ranging from robotics to protein folding. With an emphasis on algorithmic or computational aspects, this treatment gives hundreds of results and over 60 unsolved 'open problems' to inspire further research. The authors cover one-dimensional (1D) objects (linkages), 2D objects (paper), and 3D objects (polyhedra). Aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics or computer science, this lavishly illustrated book will fascinate a broad audience, from school students to researchers.

Here is a lucid thoughtful guide to understanding the structure and organization of three-dimension al space. In 250 captioned drawings this book brilliantly communicates the beauty and geometry of polyhedra. Beginning with polygons and tessellations. It proceeds in a logical sequence to finite polyhedra, dual polyhedra, space filling, and open packings. Important considerations of symmetry, periodic and uniform patterns, and regular and semiregular forms are presented. Because the understanding of polyhedra is enhanced by the manipulation of models, a chapter on both two- and three-dimensional constructions is included. This uniquely valuable reference work will be welcomed by designers, architects, mathematicians, and scientists who are interested in a graphic, yet rigorous, presentation of form and spatlal options. This little book will be a delightful addition to the libraries of those readers who are entranced by the intriguing subject of polyhedra.