Ideas of Space 'Euclidean Non-Euclidean and Realativistic' 2/Ed.

Now in a revised and expanded new edition this volume chronologically traces the evolution of Euclidean non-Euclidean and relativistic theories regarding the shape of the universe. A unique highly readable and entertaining account the book assumes no special mathematical knowledge. It reviews the failed classical attempts to prove the parallel postulate and provides coverage of the role of Gauss Lobachevskii and Bolyai in setting the foundations of modern differential geometry which laid the groundwork for Einstein''s theories of special and general relativity. This updated account includes a new chapter on Islamic contributions to this area as well as additional information on gravitation the nature of space and black holes.