What Does the Number Devil Teach About Spherical Geometry?

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The discussion centers on a proposed missing chapter from Hans Magnus Enzensberger's book "The Number Devil," which introduces concepts of spherical geometry to a young boy named Robert. The chapter covers topics such as great circles, parallel transport, and the pendulum of Foucault, aiming to make complex mathematical ideas accessible to children. Participants express curiosity about the original book and its educational value, noting that it is indeed targeted towards a younger audience. Some suggest exploring additional math-related literature that presents concepts in a non-traditional format. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging children with mathematics through imaginative storytelling.
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http://arxiv.org/abs/0706.3342
The Forgotten Night: The Number Devil Explores Spherical Geometry
Marissa L. Weichman
10 pages, 15 figures, submitted to American Journal of Physics
(Submitted on 22 Jun 2007)

"This is a missing chapter from Hans Magnus Enzensberger's mathematical adventure The Number Devil (Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1997). In the book, a math-hating boy named Robert is visited in his dreams by the clever Number Devil, who teaches him to love all things numerical. However, we all forget our dreams from time to time. Here is one adventure that Enzensberger overlooked, where the Number Devil introduces Robert to geometry not-of-Euclid, great circles, parallel transport, the pendulum of Foucault, and the genius of Euler."

Anybody know the book by Magnus Enzenberger?

Is it good?

what about the proposed additional chapter here?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
looks like its for kids
 
yeah, i think it's a kids book

check out some of dunham's books if you like reading about math in a non textbook sort of way
 

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