The Divine Proportion: A Study in Mathematical Beauty (Dover Books on Mathematics) by H. E. Huntley (PDF)

Description

Using simple mathematical formulas, most as basic as Pythagoras’s theorem and requiring only a very limited knowledge of mathematics, Professor Huntley explores the fascinating relationship between geometry and aesthetics. Poetry, patterns like Pascal’s triangle, philosophy, psychology, music, and dozens of simple mathematical figures are enlisted to show that the “divine proportion” or “golden ratio” is a feature of geometry and analysis which awakes answering echoes in the human psyche. When we judge a work of art aesthetically satisfying, according to his formulation, we are making it conform to a pattern whose outline is laid down in simple geometrical figures; and it is the analysis of these figures which forms the core of Professor Huntley’s book.For the philosopher, scientist, poet, art historian, music listener, artist, as well as the general reader who wants to understand more about the fascinating properties of numbers, this is a beautifully written, exciting account of the search for a naturally manifested aesthetic that has occupied man since he first asked the question “why?””This is a delightful book to read. . . . It wanders here and there through some of the most attractive byways of simple mathematics, returning always to the oddities and pleasures of the golden section. This is a browser’s book — a happy, untidy traveling or bedside book for those who know how to enjoy the charm of numbers and shapes.” — Dr. J. Bronowski, The Salk Institute.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: From the Back Cover Using simple mathematical formulas, most as basic as Pythagoras’s theorem and requiring only a very limited knowledge of mathematics, Professor Huntley explores the fascinating relationship between geometry and aesthetics. Poetry, patterns like Pascal’s triangle, philosophy, psychology, music, and dozens of simple mathematical figures are enlisted to show that the “divine proportion” or “golden ratio” is a feature of geometry and analysis which awakes answering echoes in the human psyche. When we judge a work of art aesthetically satisfying, according to his formulation, we are making it conform to a pattern whose outline is laid down in simple geometrical figures; and it is the analysis of these figures which forms the core of Professor Huntley’s book.For the philosopher, scientist, poet, art historian, music listener, artist, as well as the general reader who wants to understand more about the fascinating properties of numbers, this is a beautifully written, exciting account of the search for a naturally manifested aesthetic that has occupied man since he first asked the question “why?””This is a delightful book to read. . . . It wanders here and there through some of the most attractive byways of simple mathematics, returning always to the oddities and pleasures of the golden section. This is a browser’s book—a happy, untidy traveling or bedside book for those who know how to enjoy the charm of numbers and shapes.”—Dr. J. Bronowski, The Salk Institute.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐There is pure joy when thing come together simply and elegantly. With this book you don’t have to know the higher math (I have forgotten most of mine) to be able to touch on it here.

⭐For the most part an excellent, easy to follow work. However, on page 99 (item #3, bottom of page) the author states the incorrect equality: 2(phi+1+1/phi)=4, for the surface area of the golden cuboid. Correctly, the surface area of the given cuboid should be equal to approximately 6.472. This error could be overlooked except for the fact that the author extrapolates on this incorrect result (next page, item #4) and hints at a connection between pi and phi. The author uses his incorrect constant of proportionality, namely “4”, which appears in the figuring of the surface area of the circumscribing sphere and the cuboid, as evidence of this “connection”. Thus, in the guise of some illusive geometric “hint”, leaving the reader with the idea that a tie between these two constants may exist in this geometric figure. The significance of this error cannot be overlooked.

⭐Many people interested in number theory and sacred geometry love to read books that enjoy drawing phi proportions over every object in nature. This book instead goes straight to the numbers, keep the demonstrations simple and shows the progression from triangles to spirals

⭐This books shows how much precise mathematical rigor underlies much of nature, such as the spirals of the chambered nautilus.

⭐Fascinating. If you’re at all interested in the mathmatics designed into the universe you will enjoy this book, and probably learn much about the subject.

⭐His “Perspective” is better, however, this is a very thorough account of “phi,” with many mathematical equations. It’s somewhat dry as literature, better as math.

⭐Thank you; thank you very much

⭐I bought this book together with “Geometry of Design” thinking they where similar… but this is just a mathematical book … sorry for those who like maths… but I was expecting something more for the designer.Maybe for those who are not designers, but number-reladioned this is a great book… but that’s not my case.

⭐A special sequence of numbers so simple yet gives rise to some lovely patterns in nature and Mathematics.

⭐Must Have!Must read!

⭐Hard to get into but good

⭐Very good book

⭐This book is really really interesting, but it’s written in a way you’d have to be doing A level mathematics, i can understand it if I really think about what I’m reading but often I don’t have the mathematical knowledge to be able to actually “read” this book, as in, at a fluent pace. Non the less, if your average at maths and want to know about the geometry and theoretical objects our universe can naturally produce with 2 and 3 dimensions, which when you read about their workings really is interesting and makes you see this place a littler differently this is worth reading/brainpowering. Be warned you have to put the effort into understanding it if your not thought “above average” maths!

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