Inversions: A Catalog of Calligraphic Cartwheels

by Scott Kim

Word Designs Demonstrate Symmetry Introduce your students to the basic concepts of symmetry with more than 60 mind-boggling lettering designs by Scott Kim, whom Isaac Asimov called "the Escher of the alphabet." Each word in Inversions exhibits striking geometrical symmetry. For instance, the word mirror is written with reflectional symmetry; symmetry reads the same upside down; and infinity spirals off to infinity. The accompanying essays connect mathematics and symmetry with art, psychology, and music. One of the sections shows students how to create their own inversions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Art Design, Psychology

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1980

Reviews

[Scottekim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm the author, so I'm biased. This was the first book of ambigrams (symmetrical lettering). About half the lettering designs still hold up...pretty good for a first time author. I'm eager to make a new version of this book, perhaps for iPad.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book relating math, words, and art!

[David Alonzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the art of MC Escher. So . . . I found this book fascinating. Also puzzle lovers would probably love it as well. I am also fascinated by how JS Bach put canons, inventions, and fugues together.

While this book, like all books, is made of words, a large majority of the words can be described as art - visual art. Much of it is easier just to see than to describe or explain. For example if you look at the front cover of the book you will see that “Inversions,” the title of the book, when turned upside down is “Scott Kim,” the name of the author.

[Margaret Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will change how you see letters. For good. Scott Kim invented this idea and then went on to dazzle everyone with his virtuosity. Amazing. I found it in the 1980s thanks to Scientific American. Calligrapher or psychologist, you'll love it.

[Jenny Schmenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love M.C. Escher, if you love the alphabet, if you love symmetry or puzzles, check this out. It's beautiful and challenging.