Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions

Written by Edwin A. Abbott

Narrated by Alan Munro

This masterpiece of science (and mathematical) fiction is a delightfully unique and highly entertaining satire that has charmed readers for more than 100 years. The work of English clergyman, educator and Shakespearean scholar Edwin A. Abbott (1838-1926), it describes the journeys of A. Square, a mathematician and resident of the two-dimensional Flatland, where women-thin, straight lines-are the lowliest of shapes, and where men may have any number of sides, depending on their social status. Through strange occurrences that bring him into contact with a host of geometric forms, Square has adventures in Spaceland (three dimensions), Lineland (one dimension) and Pointland (no dimensions) and ultimately entertains thoughts of visiting a land of four dimensions-- a revolutionary idea for which he is returned to his two-dimensional world. Charmingly illustrated by the author, Flatland is not only fascinating reading, it is still a first-rate fictional introduction to the concept of the multiple dimensions of space.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490625454

Reviews for Flatland

[m_dow · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Meh. Not great, but it's a really short read and somewhat entertaining. The "flatland" society is actually rather horrific, full of eugenics and chauvinism, but the story is kind of fun. I wouldn't discourage you from reading it, but I'm not going to run around shouting that this is the best book ever.

[diehardkev · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A story told using simple geometry, brilliant! This is a journey of a 2D man into a 3D world and conveys much of the firm arrogance of Victorian society towards its scientific views, where to interrupt the set way of scientific thinking at that time, was tantamount to heresy. Perhaps not quite as an accessible subject as Alice in Wonderland, but this a fable of the same proprtions - elightening us to endless worlds of possibilities.

[iejasonw · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Many people, when discussing complicated issues like religion or god, do not understand what it means to observe an entity that exists in a space that has one dimension more than themselves. Conversely, they often do not consider what it means to understand how they might be seen by an entity that exists in a space with one dimension less than their own. While these points are not surprising on their own -- beings in other dimensions are not obvious things! -- what is surprising is the lack of use of this information by those who advocate the existence of such beings (ie. God). I think Flatland provides fodder for many deists but is, unfortunately, neglected by the same.

[rontyler-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was a fun re-read, I read it first about 100 years ago while in high school. Published in 1884, it usually gets categorized as Science Fiction, but it’s a social satire that skewers Victorian mores, especially how women were viewed by that society. And it examines dimensions. The main character is a 2 dimensional square who has a glimpse of the 3rd dimension, which sets him thinking in a new way.

It’s a pleasant little story.

[vipulmathur-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A book that will challenge you to think about dimensions in a simple and surprising way.

[dark_phoenix54 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This slim book is a book of geometry made simple, in a sort of Sophie’s World style, but it’s a lot more than that. While the story is about an inhabitant of a 2 dimensional universe (A Square is what he goes by) who is shown how a one dimensional and a non-dimensional world would work, and then shown the 3 dimensional world of solids, it’s also a social satire. Written during the Victorian era, he mocks the class system & government through is description of 2-D Flatland. The author has been called a misogynist, but I’m not sure if he really was, or if he was satirizing the view, commonly held in his day, of women as emotional, brainless idiots. Given that he also describes military men as stupid and violent, and has the Square hold the upper classes (the more oblique your angles, the higher your class- circles are the top caste) in unwonted awe, I’m going to guess that the misogyny was part of the satire. The actual purpose of the book seems to be to get people’s heads around the idea of a 4th dimension. I’m not sure he accomplished that, but it was a good read and not dated by being over a hundred years old.

[bartlibert · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Having read the "unofficial sequel" Flatterland before, I was a bit disappointed by the very low amounts of science and mathematics in this book. But, on the other hand, it verges more towards philosophy and sociology. If you always keep in mind when this book was written, it serves as a nice satire of the thinking in that time (and even present thinking in some cases).Don't read this book for the plot, because it is very thin, but this is not really a big issue in this case.The book loses a star because of the frankly horrible "Preface to the second edition" where the author (sorry, the editor who speaks for the anonymous square who wrote the book) tries to answer to some of the criticisms he received - by denouncing some of the very ideas of the book and apparently failing to see the newly opened possibilities for satire.

[leticia.toraci · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a very original book, where you will think in geometric figures at every line. It also sounds quite modern even if it was written in 1884. Its satirical tone makes it a priceless reading jewel and I would certainly recommend it.

[joririchardson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I ventured into reading this book a bit nervously. I love a good satire, and I love books written in the 1800's, but wasn't sure what to expect from this one in particular.After all... A book about - math?However, I was pleasantly surprised. No, more than that. I was absolutely blown away. I couldn't take my eyes off the pages!Flatland is one of those novels that isn't actually a novel. Much like "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" or "The Silmarillion," it factually and sensibly creates another world so organized and meticulously constructed, the reader feels privy to a glimpse into some strange, newly discovered world. Edwin A. Abbott is a genius thinker - not only did he manage to draw for the reader a detailed world (complete with culture, social customs, history, and so on), but it is one that is unparalleled. This book takes the idea of "originality" - not so easy a thing to master - to an entirely new level.His descriptions of first a 2 dimensional world, and then a 1 dimensional world, make sense. Not an easy concept to grasp - but Abbott sums it up perfectly. There are even rudimentary drawings scattered through-out the book, in case the reader isn't quite getting it.The book is split into two parts. I enjoyed Part 1 the best - it described life in the main character's world of Flatland and two dimensions. It read as half textbook, half science fiction novel, and had me completely fascinated all of the way. Abbott's writing is precise and careful. Obviously the man was a mathematician!The second part is about the two other dimensions - a 1 dimensional world, and a 3 dimensional world. Again, the author describes these to the reader very well.I loved the satire elements to this story, especially concerning gender, class, and narrow-mindedness."Flatland" is a masterpiece of a book! I wish that the author's other works were not so hard to find.

[randulf-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A story told using simple geometry, brilliant! This is a journey of a 2D man into a 3D world and conveys much of the firm arrogance of Victorian society towards its scientific views, where to interrupt the set way of scientific thinking at that time, was tantamount to heresy. Perhaps not quite as an accessible subject as Alice in Wonderland, but this a fable of the same proprtions - elightening us to endless worlds of possibilities.

[cuviper · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first part of Flatland is a little dry, but in Part II it gets into the exploration of dimensions and perceptions. The blatant sexism and classism seem ridiculous -- perhaps they are meant to show how limited thought can hold you back. By opening your mind to more liberal thoughts, new dimensions may be revealed to you. Or something. At any rate, it's a quick read, and carries amusing thoughts to ponder.

[aliceinpains · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Flatland" is a mathematical satire and religious allegory, written in the shape of the memoirs of A Square, an inhabitant of a two-dimensional world, who had visited other lands - Pointland, Lineland and Spaceland - and gained invaluable insights into the structure of the Universe. Though these journeys and dreams/visions sound like a religious experience (and Edwin Abbott himself was a theologian), the main goal of "Flatland" - to make us think outside the observable world and imagine new dimensions, dimensions we can't perceive - is not necessarily religious in nature. This Square hopes that his account "may stir up a race of rebels who shall refuse to be confined to limited Dimensionality": "like a second Prometheus, I will endure this and worse, if by any means I may arouse in the interiors of Plane and Solid Humanity a spirit of Rebellion against the Conceit which would limit our Dimensions to Two or Three or any number short of Infinity." I thought this was quite interesting and nicely done. Also, in the first part of the book, Abbott cleverly uses geometrical concepts to criticize his own society (e.g. social stratification is depicted as hierarchy of geometric figures). It was fun.Bear in mind that "Flatland" was written in the 19th century, and if you like math, social critique and enjoy pondering the nature of the Universe (or Multiverse) - you'll like this book. A religious person might experience it on a different level, but I guess they'd like it as well.

[mykl8s · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A classic, and for good reason.

[atreic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I hadn't read this thin mathematical dystopia for many years, and it was fun to come back to it. It weaves together ideas of strict pre-determined class systems, huge gender inequalities, a brutal state, and how to visualise extra dimensions. Enjoyed again.

[starcat-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A satire of Victorian cultural norms, it's the story of a denizen of a two dimensional world, a square by the name A. Square. The first half skewers the class system and the deplorable condition of women. Going into this book, I thought it was only a satire of the class system, so I initially believed the misogyny was merely background noise. After a few pages though, it became so outrageous that I realized it was also satirical. Bravo, M Abbot. At the end there's some stuff about art, science, and individual expression, but I'm not sure how successful that was/is.The second half concerns A Square's dream of a one dimensional world, and a forced journey to 3D world wherein he can see the nature of his own world. This forms the background into some pointed questions about political authority and religious veracity, especially when Square attempts to get a 3D Sphere to contemplate a 4th dimension. It's a bit forced, and is less satire and more questioning, but I think it still works.4 stars oc, 3.5 for the book, and an extra .5 because my copy smells fantastic.

[nosborm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A bit of a mind bender and an interesting read.

[skavlanj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Book With Non-Human CharactersI don't remember how I stumbled on to Flatland for this category—most search results list books with animals—but I'm glad I did. The first-person narrator of Edwin A. Abbott's short novel first explains the physical mechanics and societal organization of his two-dimensional space, which he calls Flatland for his readers' benefit, then relays his "personal" story of leaving Flatland for the three-dimensional world with the assistance of an alien visitor, Sphere. The quotes around personal reflect the fact that our narrator is a square, rather than a human, who occupies the respectable position of attorney due to his four sides. In Flatland, the more sides an individual has, the higher his position in society. Sphere has a third dimension previously unknown and unimagined in two-dimensional Flatland, a dimension which confers status far beyond that of any shape living in Flatland. Eventually, the square comes to treat Sphere as a god.In some ways Flatland is reflective of its time (1884) and place (England). Flatland is a patriarchal society, where women are the simplest geometric shape (straight lines) and are restricted from education. It's telling that, when viewed head-on, women are essentially invisible. Owing to the sharpness of their terminal ends, they are also extremely dangerous physically to the other inhabitants of Flatland and are required to emit a Peace-cry to warn those around them of their presence. The highest societal position is that of Priests, who are circles.In other ways, it is still relatable 137 years after its initial publication. The conflict between the various shapes is analogous to today's world. The upper shapes look down on and use the lower shapes for their own benefit. The lower shapes resent the upper shapes. Their attempt to overthrow the societal hierarchy employs color, rather than weapons, to eliminate the cognitive differences between the shapes.Flatland is an interesting thought experiment about the universality of human nature, regardless of physical reality.

[soylentgreen23 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

'Flatland' is quite unlike anything I have ever read. It tells the story of a square living in two-dimensional space; the first part of the book describes the life of this square and the society he inhabits, all of which perfectly sets up the second part of the book, where a three-dimensional being interrupts the square's life to show him that Space is not what it seems.A magnificent triumph of a book, one that will have you thinking and thinking. It reminded me of Butler's 'Erewhon' but arguably better executed - mostly because of its delicate focus on the matters at hand. There is very little by way of moralising - the reader is left to draw their own conclusions, and so a Christian reading this book will draw analogies with the Christ legend, while atheists will find in it arguments aplenty against all manner of religion.

[tanyaread · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A story of prejudice among creatures of two dimensions.

[charon07 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An exhortation to use one's imagination. Though the language is charmingly old-fashioned and the allegory of Victorian England somewhat dated, Abbott still inveigled me to imagine the "extra-Cube" of hyperspace. Like the poor square, I have difficulty visualizing where to put the seventh and eighth cubes that would form the "sides" of that extra-Cube, but it's been fun to try! Abbott's vision of a "modest" humanity that is more enlightened than our present one is also touching.

[macdad-236140 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Edwin Abbott’s book is one that has shadowed me for decades. When I was in school growing up I saw it listed as a text to students taking math classes, though never in one of the ones in which I was enrolled. Seeing it referenced in a couple of the short stories that I read demonstrated its influence on science fiction, but I still was not motivated to read it for myself. It was only when I wanted to encourage my son’s aptitude for math that I purchased a copy and sat down to read it with him.When I did so, I was surprised by what I encountered. Based on its reputation, I was expecting a novel about three-dimensional beings interacting with a two-dimensional world. That indeed forms an important part of the book, but it’s preceded by a section describing the history and social order of Abbott’s fictional universe. Though Abbott subsequently claimed that much of it was intended to be satirical, the criticism in his description of the misogyny of Flatland and the inhabitants’ practice of eugenics it’s so subtle as to be effectively nonexistent. In its way it offers an interesting portrait of late-Victorian social attitudes and it does have a sharp critique against the suppression of knowledge, but it’s in many respects a jarring aspect of a book best known today for its imaginative exploration of mathematical space.

[kittycunningh-815148 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was fascinating.

[lilirose_ · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Questo libro mi ha spiazzato. Non so neanch' io cosa mi aspettassi, ma di sicuro non qualcosa di così diverso da tutto quel che ho letto finora.E' un gioco intellettuale più che un'opera letteraria, un divertissement che tocca vette di genialità e che è impossibile da definire.In certi passaggi sembra una versione più sobria e meno graffiante della satira usata da Swift ne I viaggi di Gulliver, in altri può essere considerato un antesignano delle distopie del '900, senza dimenticare poi le parti più squisitamente matematiche e geometriche, che rivestono una parte importantissima nell'economia del testo.Insomma è tutto e il contrario di tutto, un unicum nella storia della letteratura.Anche lo stile riflette questa eccezionalità ed è multiforme e variegato, dal rigore scientifico e l'understatement si passa ad estasi profetiche di stampo biblico: l'effetto che ne viene fuori è straniante e quasi allucinatorio.Per tutti questi motivi è un testo che chiunque dovrebbe leggere, ma allo stesso tempo è anche impossibile che possa davvero entrare nel cuore di qualcuno. E' un brillante esercizio mentale, da apprezzare con distacco come si apprezzerebbe un'opera di ingegneria ben fatta, ma lontano dalle emozioni che dovrebbe suscitare un'opera d'arte.

[drfuriosa · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Well, that hurt my brain. If you think Gulliver's Travels meets The Blazing World of Margaret Cavendish, then you're more likely to pick up on the social satire. As it was, I glazed over at the math parts more than once. This was an odd but interesting reading experience. I do think this is an overcomplicated tale, but the social criticism and weird gender stuff kept my interest.

[lordgro-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amusing, and a pretty good explanation of dimensions, including those beyond the third dimension

[locriian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this book is HILARIOUS and don't let it fool you, it's not really about math. A+ satire and still extremely relevant today. that's all i'll say.

EDIT: The more I think about this book the more I realize its greatness. This book is so underrated and I think it should be standard curriculum in literature classes. It is unfortunate that it's only really known amongst sci-fi/nerd/mathematician circles because it is about so much more than dimensions of space. In such a short span of words the author makes a really profound statement about perspective. This short story will make you see the world very differently. It will make you think, and reconsider everything you have ever thought. The satire on victiorian social norms is not only hilarious but still relevant today. The dryness of the writing style only adds to the humor. The message is applicable to EVERYTHING. E V E R Y T H I N G !!!!!

UGHHHH FLATLAND YOU GUYS THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD YOU DONT EVEN KNOW. EVERYONE WITH THE ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND SATIRE NEEDS TO READ FLATLAND. OK.

[rex_lui-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Quite disappointed. Clever analog with Math? Sure. Any productive suggestion? No. Cynism is not the answer, curiosity and compassion are. But then, it's written from 135 years ago. Society progresses, human evolves. We are currently in the best zeitgeist on human period. The function of cynism declines.

[andycyca-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The life and times of a nobleman in 2d, a very interesting view of how dimensions work and how life could work out in a flat sheet

[rose999-383069 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A weird book to rate, the premise is great, the world building is great, but it's not a fun book, I didn't find it boring neither, but the storytelling is bland for the most part, great idea, mediocre execution.

I'm still giving it 4 stars because it's a great idea, and the satire is in point, there were many paragraphs that could have been shorted or eliminated but every chapter aggregated something worthwhile, but the idea was at moments hammered down too hard, and repeated one time too many.

Still I enjoyed, would recommend to people interested in this type of thing, be it in the mathematical or satirical way, but would definitely not recommend as an entry point to those things.

I'll remark the fact that on Flatland women were more intelligent once upon a time, and then a Circle decided the had to be treated as purely emotional beings and stop educating them and then through generations they degraded into this nonsensical (at least these is how they are portrait ed although some things would hint they aren't so much) creatures and they blame the woman's nature and not the lack of education! And the Squares (and other middle and upper class figures) see nothing wrong with that, they are brainwashed, and they don't know it, they like it even, atrocious, I loved it, I certainly don't know what the Circles are allegory of, since I don't know that much about 1880's life in England, but I can imagine I guess.

The are other things like that, with the Criminal classes for example, and wouldn't everyone be much more happy if everyone was taught Sight Recognizing?

I really liked the satire of this, it was so poker faced.

[drardavis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As one interested in mathematics in sci-fi, this book has been on my to read list for some time. I’m glad I finally got around to reading it. It is unique and a bit difficult to describe. Partly it is a satire of English culture in 1884. Partly it is anthropomorphizing geometric figures, with surprisingly convincing results. That’s the sci-fi, Abbott’s imagined universe. But basically it is a very clever mathematical proof of the existence of God. Having recently read Frankenstein, I was delighted at the main character’s, A. Square, description of himself as “a second Prometheus.”