Geometry, Relativity and the Fourth Dimension

This particular book is published by Dover, and it's not one of their usual reprints; it was _originally_ published by Dover. (In 1977, but the geometry of spacetime hasn't changed much since then.) It's an exploration of just what the title says: the geometry of the four-dimensional spacetime that the theory of relativity says is Really Out There.

Well, this is a good book on the subject, but you can get others (although one of the best -- Cornelius Lanczos's delightful _Space Through the Ages_ -- has long been out of print). What's coolest about this one is that Rudy Rucker wrote it.

Which means you get those little bombs thrown in at all the right places. Of course Rucker gives you what any competent mathematician will give you -- a sound introductory presentation of the mathematics of 4D spacetime and relativity theory, which are weird enough if you haven't encountered them before (and maybe even if you have) -- but he doesn't stop there. You also get an argument that the apparent passage of time is an illusion, and a little speculation about how this might tie in with the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics. And even that isn't all: you get a suggestion that it's possible to _develop a spacetime consciousness_ via some sort of meditation techniques or mystical insight, together with an entry in the annotated bibliography referring you (cautiously) to Robert A. Monroe's _Journeys Out of the Body_, whose experiments Rucker himself has tried.

It's like Raymond Smullyan on acid, if you know what I mean. But honest, it really does make sense. And it really will knock your mind loose from your brain even without the use of chemical aids.

This is the sort of thing Rucker does best. He does it in _Infinity and the Mind_, too (with which this volume has a little bit of overlap, but you won't care). Check out that book as well, along with _White Light_. Mathematical hippie mysticism just doesn't get any better.


Now I get it!!!   August 21, 2001
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Yes, finally, I get the hoopla with the fourth dimension. Rucker explains things with lots of classsical geometric illustrations. Not intending to scare you, I must warn you that he takes the reader all the way to a 5-dimensional world. Still, it is simple to explain, because he uses line-land (the 2-dimansional version of flatland) adds a dimension, then one more, and the result can be visualized in 3-D. I am just astounded that I could understand this without mind-crunching effort. It was not an easy read, but it was not very hard either. No derivatives, matrixes, integrals, or any of the other off-putting versions of mathematics. Just straight (actually fairly wrinkled) geometry.


Intro to Non-Euclidean Geometry   June 8, 2000
 16 out of 17 found this review helpful

This is the best introduction to non-Euclidean geometry and special relativity that I have ever encountered. The book is basic enough to be understandable (at least to a degree) by any intelligent (and determined) adolescent, but deep enough for the physics or math undergraduate and perhaps even graduate student to find continual interest in. Rucker has a way of introducing complex ideas in a rather simple fashion so trhat one doesn't often realise how deep the subject matter is at first. Unlike some of his other books, however, considerable math background is required and a substantial amount of effort and force of will on the part of the reader will be necessary. All the same, the book is an intensely interesting foray into the world of geometry and relativistic physics. His adaption af Abbott's "A.Square" character to ealborated his ideas are particularly amusing and helpful.


See what's outside the box   March 30, 2007
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Over two millenia ago, Euclid wrote his masterpiece Elements and stated in his fifth postulate that only one perpendicular line could pass through any one point adjacent to another line.

One hundred fifty years ago, it was proven that yet another geometry could be described by asserting that more than one parallel line could pass through such a point.

Building on these ideas, Rucker briefly yet thoroughly surveys the relevant mathematics outside the box of Euclidian geometry.

It's a fascinating place too because it involves considerations of hyperspace, four dimensional travels and ultimately Einstein's theory of relativity.

Copiously filled with illustrations to help drive home his points, Rucker has produced a book that meaningful helps one visualize and better understand the fourth dimension.

This book is an excellent read along with Choas, Coincidences and All that Math Jazz, The Fourth Dimension Simply Explained, Einstein's own Relativity and Hyperspace by Michio Kaku which discusses all these ideas as well as contemporary string theory (which purports to pull it all together).


The best book ever in its field   April 19, 2007
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This book has presented the most difficult topics of our world with the easiest words. After reading this book many of my questions that I had in my mind for a long time were answered. It's worth thousands more than its price.
Congratulation to Mr. Rudolf Rucker for his great book.