Non-Euclidean geometry: a critical and historical study of its development

Examines various attempts to prove Euclid's parallel postulate — by the Greeks, Arabs and Renaissance mathematicians. Ranging through the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, it considers forerunners and founders such as Saccheri, Lambert, Legendre, W. Bolyai, Gauss, Schweikart, Taurinus, J. Bolyai and Lobachewsky. Includes 181 diagrams.This is an excellent historical and mathematical view by a renowned Italian geometer of the geometries that have risen from a rejection of Euclid's parallel postulate. Students, teachers and mathematicians will find here a ready reference source and guide to a field that has now become overwhelmingly important.Non-Euclidean Geometry first examines the various attempts to prove Euclid's parallel postulate-by the Greeks, Arabs, and mathematicians of the Renaissance. Then, ranging through the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, it considers the forerunners and founders of non-Euclidean geometry, suc