A comprehensive new illustrated guide to geometry—from New York Times bestselling cartoonist Larry Gonick
What’s the point of points? Where do we draw the line? If there are two sides to everything, then what’s up with triangles, squares, and polygons?
Once again, mathematician-turned-cartoonist Larry Gonick uses his unique gift for witty, lively, and clear exposition to demystify another complex subject: geometry.
Moving from the most basic geometrical concepts—planes, lines, and points—through elementary postulates and to elaborate proofs, The Cartoon Guide to Geometry is a comprehensive primer on all the essentials of plane geometry: angles, triangles, area, similarity, and, yes, the Pythagorean theorem. Carefully tailored to the curriculum standards and standardized testing guidelines of the subject, the book provides innovative visuals that develop proofs and constructions with sequential graphics rather than single illustrations. The reader emerges with a deep grasp of key ideas—and has fun getting there.
Jenna –
Amazing! My math loving kiddo is a bit young for this just yet but when we work up to this level he is going to love this! We are both going to learn so much from this book. I learned so much just from reading through it now and I haven’t even done the problems yet. Where was this when I learned Geometry the first time?
AnnieB –
The Cartoon Guide to Geometry is a well drawn, accessible, humorous guide to geometry by Larry Gonick. Released 16th Jan 2024 by HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow imprint, it’s 272 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This book really does introduce concepts in geometry in a fun and engaging way. There’s a lot of history thrown in and the author explains (where known) where the concepts came from and how they were used historically and how they’re relevant for modern life. The author is brilliant at breaking complex ideas down into bite-sized pieces and making it fun for people who decided when they were 12 years old that “math wasn’t their favorite subject”.
The format and cartoon style is similar to most of the other volumes in the “Cartoon Guides” and will be familiar to readers who have experienced some of his other books. He really has a phenomenal talent with explaining things in a way that makes them clear.
There are fun (very clever) exercises throughout the chapters which help readers retain and build on the basic concepts. Detailed explanations and answers are contained in the book and easy to find.
Five stars. This is a -must- buy for public and school library, for readers who want to brush up on geometry, and for general non-fiction fans. This is a really really fun read and an important way to pick up skills that might have been skipped or forgotten since 7th grade. The entire series is worth picking up for the home reference library.
Jorge E. Garcia –
Book was in very good condition.
Tina –
Bought this to help our teen and it’s great!
Sean Herman –
Presentation is great but it is for older kids (late middle to high school).
eegmanz –
I finally understand where the formulas I was made to learn in Geometry 30+ yrs ago come from. Got this for our 8th grader. He is struggling in Geometry. Tough teacher with a strong Korean accent who talks really fast. So we are bringing in the support. It is helping. He is not as thrilled to learn where the formulas come from as I am. I am trusting that it is helping.