Why Knot?: An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Knots with Tangle

by Colin Adams

Those with an interest in knots, both young and old, will enjoy reading Why Knot? An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Knots. Colin Adams, well-known for his advanced research in topology and knot theory, is the author of this new book that brings his findings and his passion for the subject to a more general audience. Adams also presents a history of knot theory from its early role in chemistry to modern applications such as DNA research, dynamical systems, and fluid mechanics. Real math, unreal fun! Each copy of Why Knot? is packaged with a plastic manipulative called the Tangle(R). Adams uses the Tangle because "you can open it up, tie it in a knot and then close it up again." The Tangle is the ultimate tool for knot theory because knots are defined in mathematics as being closed on a loop. Readers use the Tangle to complete the experiments throughout the brief volume.

ebook

Published November 10, 2008

About the author

A Game Artist and Illustrator, Colin Adams works with pencils, brushes, pens, and digital styluses. Colin lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. His clients range the world of illustration, and include books, magazines, social and mobile games, storyboards, web sites, roleplaying games, and comic books. He has drawn his entire life. He drew a lot in art school, and spent most of his regular school years drawing on his math homework anyway. He has some influences, a few pets, likes avocados, dislikes pennies, and he really couldn’t pick a favorite color, even when pressed.