Pros: Short, concise, fun, maybe even a little educational
Cons: First half is somewhat tedious, some antiquated notions
The Bottom Line: Entertaining and fun, Flatland could be our own world but for height. I'm still considering some of the better ideas from the extraordinary conclusion.
FauxBear's Full Review: Edwin Abbott Abbott, Thomas F. Banchoff, William F...
Edwin A Abbott's Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions is a bizarre little book. Topping out at eighty pages, it is remarkably rich in detail and full of interesting notions, some of them quite socially antiquated. Originally published about 1884 under the pseudonym A. Square, the book is a first person recounting by an imprisoned polygon with an elaborate description of life in Flatland, a two-dimensional universe, and his subsequent visions, dreams and adventures in Pointland (no dimensions), Lineland (one dimension) and Spaceland (three dimensions).
There are many dimensions (pun intended) to this book. First of all it is a kind of primer on geometry. Attributes are assigned to various figures: Lines are women, and therefore ascribed qualities of flightiness and must constantly emit a cry and wag their "backs" so that no hapless polygon impales himself on her. They are prone to emotional outbursts that can culminate in remorseless murder! I said that some notions were antiquated! Isosceles triangles with the narrowest apexes are considered insane and either killed or used as infantry. In each succeeding generation, though, the apex angle becomes broader until eventually a triangular polygon is Equilateral and becomes a citizen of Flatland. Each successive generation after that adds a side and the polygon moves up the caste system eventually attaining Circle-dom, the High Priest class.
Second, it discusses much about perception in Flatland, how "height" is implied. This is probably the one flaw in Flatland's mythology. A two-dimensional being would have no concept of height whatsoever and describing the "height" of a surface would simply be impossible. The story converses about perception and how light supplies the main device by which the denizens of Flatland can see and identify each other.
History is discussed in great detail and how the Color Wars (or some such) nearly destroyed the hierarchy in Flatland. Women and the lower ranks of triangles decided to "paint" themselves and by their color they could be distinguished from one another. But the Circles would not condescend to join them and eventually, in a grand conflict, the rebels were destroyed and the use of color was banned, it's application punishable by death.
All of this is richly and vividly described in the first half of the book. While I thought it somewhat dry, it was all necessary to set up the second half in which A. Square's transformation takes place. This is where Flatland takes a decidedly spiritual turn.
While enjoying a pleasant evening at home, A. Square is suddenly disturbed by a disembodied voice. Then a Circle appears and, in his perception, starts to change size before his very eyes. The Circle tells him that he has come to fulfill a millennial mission to teach the Gospel of Three Dimensions. This is, of course, hogwash and Square tells him so at once. Fearing that Square will utterly reject his millennial vision, and that he will be discovered, causes the Circle to pull Square out of Flatland and into Spaceland. Square is terrified.
It is at this point in the story that things start to get really interesting. Circle is really a Sphere and is perceived by Square to be a God and perfect. Sphere directs Square's gaze down on Flatland where he can see his own pentagonal home, his agitated wife within, his son and grandsons and even their internal organs. Square eventually leaves the vertigo behind begins to accept the teachings of the Sphere.
Then Square makes a superlative leap: if Sphere has been so gracious to show him this, certainly there must be more. He invites Sphere to show him his own internal organs, arguing that certainly there must be a higher dimension still, one where even Sphere is transparent. This is, of course, hogwash and Sphere says blatantly so.
But like a true seeker, Square will not give up. Surely there must be more, a fourth dimension, a fifth... The allegory for a spiritual experience, an epiphany, is strong and well used. He is eventually cast in disgust by Sphere back to Flatland where he tries to make a life for himself but finds that his enlightened state has him agitated and, like a proper disciple, he tries to teach his gospel.
There is so little we understand about ourselves and our universe. Imagine if one of our dimensions were taken away, or if suddenly we had the capability to pass through solid objects. How would that power change us? Or what if we were suddenly given a good, clear look at God's living room? Would we be able to keep still about it and resume a normal life?
In a very succinct way, Flatland describes a compelling little world that I even felt I could be at home in and then opened the doors to other possibilities. What if I were visited by some nth dimension being? Would I come to the conclusion that it was a God? And do the Gods have Gods?
And what would I tell others when I returned? Would they even understand, or would they throw me in a dungeon? Or hang me on a cross?
Classic of science (and mathematical) fiction. Charmingly illustrated by author. Describes the journeys of A. Square, a resident of Flatland, and his ...More at HotBookSale
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