Excursion in Diagrammatic Algebra, An: Turning a Sphere from Red to Blue (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9789814374491)

The aim of this book is to give as detailed a description as is possible of one of the most beautiful and complicated examples in low-dimensional topology. This example is a gateway to a new idea of higher dimensional algebra in which diagrams replace algebraic expressions and relationships between diagrams represent algebraic relations. The reader may examine the changes in the illustrations in a leisurely fashion; or with scrutiny, the reader will become familiar and develop a facility for these diagrammatic computations.The text describes the essential topological ideas through metaphors that are experienced in everyday life: shadows, the human form, the intersections between walls, and the creases in a shirt or a pair of trousers. Mathematically informed reader will benefit from the informal introduction of ideas. This volume will also appeal to scientifically literate individuals who appreciate mathematical beauty.

Author: J. Scott Carter
ISBN-10: 9814374490
ISBN-13: 9789814374491
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
Language: English
Published: 12/09/2011
Pages: 296
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.80d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 09/01/2012