Mathematics and literature, and in a broader sense, the sciences and arts, are frequently depicted as distinct or even opposing disciplines. However, when they come together and intertwine, the outcomes can be wonderfully thought-provoking or, at times, delightfully unconventional.
Here are a selection of favourite maths-themed novels and stories:
1)Flatland: A Romance Of Many Dimensions by Edwin A. Abbott
The starting point for exploring this topic is undoubtedly the book published in 1884, authored under the pseudonym A. Square. “Flatland” is not only an investigation into the essence of dimensions and geometry but also a commentary on the hierarchical structure of Victorian society. The narrator is a square residing in Flatland, whose aspirations lead him to dream of a voyage to a one-dimensional world. This journey prompts profound questions about our comprehension of dimensions and the nature of reality.
“Flatland” has inspired numerous works, with notable examples including “Sphereland: A Fantasy About Curved Spaces” and “An Expanding Universe” by Dionys Burger, both of which were penned as sequels. Ian Stewart’s “Flatterland” is another significant contribution, offering a fresh perspective on the concept. Additionally, “The Dot And The Line: A Romance In Lower Mathematics” by Norton Juster draws inspiration from “Flatland” and is perhaps most renowned for its 1965 short film adaptation.
2)Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.
Lewis Carroll maintained a career as a mathematician and mathematics lecturer throughout his lifetime. Nevertheless, he is most celebrated for his Alice stories, which are rich in allusions to mathematical principles and logic, albeit often concealed within layers of absurdity. These tales chronicle the escapades of a young girl named Alice, who, by either tumbling down a rabbit hole or passing through a looking-glass, embarks on a series of peculiar and logic-defying journeys through Wonderland and Looking-Glass Land.
3)The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Norton Juster authored another children’s fantasy novel, one that immerses readers in a captivating world. The story revolves around Milo, the central character, who finds himself magically transported to the Kingdom of Wisdom. In this realm, the delicate balance has been disrupted due to a spirited debate over the relative importance of letters and numbers. The book is brimming with clever wordplay, puns, and literal interpretations of common idioms, drawing comparisons to the whimsical and imaginative world presented in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
5)Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
“Arcadia,” a play rich in mathematical, scientific, philosophical, and notably chaos theory themes, is regarded by both critics and experts in the field as one of the finest contemporary plays.
Tom Stoppard, the playwright behind “Arcadia,” also penned another notable work titled “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” In this play, the titular characters are borrowed from William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The play commences with a rather amusing conversation centered around the concept of probability.
