Platonic and Archimedean Solids

Wooden Books

by Daud Sutton

Whereas Sacred Geometry introduced readers to two-dimensional forms, Platonic & Archimedean Solids presents the world of three dimensions, which was understood as early as neolithic time. Daud Sutton elegantly explores the eighteen forms-from the cube to the octahedron and icosidodecahedron-that are the universal building blocks of three-dimensional space, and shows the fascinating relationships between them. For anyone interested in design, architecture, and mathematics, this will be a delight.

Genres: Mathematics, Science, Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Geometry

64 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Ralph · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rough, dense read. I had to use web searches to supplement what was described. I may have to read several times to get a full understanding.

[Michael Giotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little book. Not used to thinking in this way, it stretched the limits of my ability to conceptualize the relationships between the forms and the underlying principles. That was what made it so rewarding; I could feel it reprogramming my brain with geometric reasoning as I would read before turning out the lights. Now I am resolved to finally understand proofs. My 15 year old self will soon be vindicated!

[Hunter Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of both solids and beyond. That said, these books are best suited for those who want a review of material they know, or as a platform with which to research the topic. I often find myself doing more in depth study of the subjects using these books as a guide. There are some great resources in the back.

[Paige McLoughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tetrahedron, The Octahedron, The Cube, The Dodecahedron, The Icosahedron the five perfect or Platonic solids. Goes over the geometry of these and related structures and connections to things like the golden ratio. Old geometry from the Greeks is fascinating stuff.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew about the five Platonic solids, but never gave much thought to solids that used more than one regular polygon. I then wondered about the Soccer ball. What was it called? What class of solids? I learned it was called a truncated icosahedron and that it belonged to the Archimedean solids. And there are thirteen of them. This little book is a great intro to P & A solids and other kinds as well.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that my D&D dice had such an interesting back story. Except for the d10, which is not covered by this book. Screw you, d10.

[Angus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool book if you are into geometry. Good layout and full of awesome information. In the back are unfolded polyhedra and such. Way cool for some of my art projects.

[Brianna Privett]

Platonic and Archimedean Solids (Wooden Books Gift Book) by Daud Sutton (2005)

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little book!

[Ellen Martens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this but cannot claim to have completely grasped the concepts.

[Elentarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little book that outlines the properties of three dimensional platonic and archimedean solids with lovely illustrations.

[Galatea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mmmm shapes

Succinct, well illustrated, and a fantastic primer for my less mathy friends who still wanna delve into math, either for fun or profit.