Flatland, the masterpiece of nineteenth century cleric and wit Edwin A. Abbott, is an initially slow-going and slightly abstract but also witty and memorable classic of speculative fiction. It can be extremely difficult to put yourself into the 2D POV introduced in this story, but it ultimately pays off when the revelation of a third geometrical dimension comes near the end. The ultimate testament to this story's power is that, while identifying with this 2D world, I was similarly amazed and astounded by this revelation, and I now look around my 3D world with new eyes. How fortunate I am to be living in a world of three dimensions, with all that implies! And through short ventures to lineland and pointland we become all the more aware of the true limitations of our understanding that is imposed on us by the nature of the universe we inhabit.
Flatland is a story literally bursting at the seams with ideas. The fascinating concepts relating to the philosophy of physics, dimensional mathematics, and epistemology would be surprise enough in such a short and imminently readable tale. But it is also famous for its clever social satire, much of which still carries over today, if not as forcefully (this was specifically poking fun at the social mores of Victorian England, after all).
Abbott does a good job of giving these creatures a life of their own, though, apart from the ideological and intellectual concerns. We learn about their history, their culture, and get a sense of what it would be like to have grown up this world.
Finally, if you are religious this book will give you an interesting new perspective on the supernatural.
What ultimately makes this succeed is that it would be so easy to make this material dry and inaccessible. But this is FUN and absolutely joyous, and is filled with a love of the curiosity and openness to life which characterize the spirit of youth. Flatland succeeds on all counts and I'd recommend unconditionally to anyone who has any sense of curiosity whatsoever or even just enjoys a good story.
I suppose I should comment on this edition of the book. It is absolutely Spartan: the story and nothing else. Like all Dover publications, the binding is good, and this is the full and original version of Flatland. So there are no extras, but it costs 2$, which is a pretty good deal for this little story.
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From the brand
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Debuting in 1990, the Thrift Editions library of classic literature is a top choice for teachers, students, librarians, and recreational readers around the world. Dover’s longstanding mission of exceptional value has consistently offered excellence in classic fiction, nonfiction, plays, and poetry.
Dover Thrift Editions are low priced, compact (5"x8"), complete and unabridged.
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From the Publisher
Describes the journeys of A. Square and his adventures in Spaceland (three dimensions), Lineland (one dimension) and Pointland (no dimensions).
Classic of science (and mathematical) fiction — charmingly illustrated by author
A. Square also entertains thoughts of visiting a land of four dimensions — a revolutionary idea for which he is banished from Spaceland.
“I call our world Flatland, not because we call it so, but to make its nature clearer to you, my happy readers, who are privileged to live in Space. "
“Feeling is believing’ and ‘A Straight Line to the touch is worth a Circle to the sight’”—two Proverbs, very common with the Frailer Sex in Flatland.”
Reviews with images
Supposedly new book with a torn cover
Disappointing to get a torn "new" book. I imagine it was the Amazon packer working as-fast-as-possible under duress so I'm keeping it and hope management improves working conditions. The book itself is fascinating, a must-read!
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