Pentagons and Pentagrams: An Illustrated History

Pentagons and Pentagrams is a comprehensive book that explores the pentagon's role in various cultures, from mathematicians and philosophers to artists and naturalists. It reveals its geometric properties and discusses its influence on buildings, crystallography, and alloys. Illustrated by Eugen Jost, the book offers fun challenges and solutions for readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The pentagon and its enigmatic counterpart, the pentagram, have captivated the minds of individuals for over two and a half millennia, spanning the realms of mathematics, philosophy, art, and nature. Despite the profound historical significance of the pentagon, no single book has previously delved into its profound influence across diverse cultures. Until now, Pentagons and Pentagrams emerges as a groundbreaking exploration, adorned with rich illustrations that unveil the captivating geometric properties and profound impact of the five-sided polygon.

Tracing the tapestry of time, Eli Maor weaves a narrative that encompasses both celebrated and lesser-known tales about the pentagon and pentagram. He delves into the early Pythagoreans, who ascribed mythical qualities to the pentagon, embraced it as their emblem, and ingeniously constructed it using a straightedge and compass. Maor also explores the remarkable discoveries made by a San Diego housewife, who uncovered four previously unknown types of pentagonal tilings, and the seismic upheaval caused by a scientist's groundbreaking discovery of fivefold symmetries in certain alloys, ultimately resulting in a Nobel Prize. Moreover, Maor examines the pervasive influence of the pentagon on numerous architectural marvels, from medieval fortresses to the iconic Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Eugen Jost's exquisite illustrations serve as a visual feast, enriching the reader's experience with vivid details. Additionally, the book incorporates puzzles and mazes, offering delightful challenges that test the ingenuity of its readers. The solutions to these puzzles are provided in an appendix, ensuring that no puzzle remains unsolved.

In essence, Pentagons and Pentagrams emerges as a indispensable resource for anyone seeking to delve into the enigmatic world of the pentagon and pentagram. Through its captivating storytelling, insightful analysis, and stunning illustrations, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the shape's historical, cultural, and geometric significance, providing a profound appreciation for its enduring influence on human creativity and innovation.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 148 x 224 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691201122