Shape

Jordan Ellenberg, a professor of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, argues that geometry is far more than the study of shapes and angles taught in school. In this popular work, he demonstrates how geometric thinking provides the underlying structure for some of the most significant problems in science, politics, and philosophy. By reframing geometry as a tool for understanding where things are, how they relate, and how to move between them, Ellenberg shows that the discipline does not merely measure the world but explains it.

The book moves fluidly between abstract mathematical concepts and their tangible applications in daily life. Ellenberg’s writing style is accessible and enthusiastic, bridging the gap between rigorous academic mathematics and general curiosity. He illustrates how geometric principles unlock insights into complex systems, from the spread of diseases to the dynamics of social networks, making the subject feel both intuitive and profound.

Description adapted from Open Library ↗.