Coxeter H.S.M. Introduction to Geometry (2ed., Wiley, 1969)

Description

This is a wonderful book. It isn't for mathematical beginners, but it isn't opaque either. It requires a student to think, experiment and to learn by puzzling things out in one's mind rather than simple memorization and regurgitation. Nor does it follow the all too common modern method of over simplifying things to allow people to pretend they have learned math while only dabbling in a few basic topics.

This book is amply illustrated with many exercises (answers are provided at the back for all the exercises). The book also has some humor and wit with the quotes it distributes throughout the book to help liven things up.

There is also a list of helpful references and an index. When reading the book, don't be afraid of going to a dictionary or the web or some other math books for clarification of some terms or more basic concepts. It is essential to have everything clear in your mind before moving on or you will stumble. As in all math, it is like a building with the next stage being built on the present one which is built on the previous one. You can't skip steps very successfully very often.

This is a great volume to have in your library, but even better to work through.








Thanks rualgar for this lovely book.