Heilbron J.L. Geometry Civilized: History, Culture, and Technique

Clarendon Press, 1998. — 309 p.Geometry Civilized is a unique combination of history and mathematics. It contains a full introduction to plane geometry and trigonometry within a fascinating historical framework that sets off the technical material. This approach to geometrical ideas gives the book its unique, readable style. The author has included a wide range of unusual and engaging geometric problems, many of which are taken from practical applications, drawn from sources ranging from ancient to modern.
The study of geometry has been an important element of education in Europe since the time of the Greeks. This book helps us to understand why such emphasis has been placed on obtaining a good understanding of geometry. But the history presented here is not confined to the Western tradition. Examples drawn from other cultures, particularly Chinese and Indian, underscore the peculiarities of the geometry we have inherited from the Greeks, and thereby make Euclid's approach more accessible.
The book is beautifully and extensively illustrated, includes carefully explained solutions to the problems that are discussed, and a selection of further problems and exercises to whet the reader's appetite.
The story of the connected rite of geometry and civilization is a fascinating one. By explaining the reasoning behind the geometry, the geometry itself and the beauty and precision of its methods become clear.