Elementary Differential Geometry - 9780521721493

The link between the physical world and its visualisation is geometry. This easy-to-read, generously illustrated textbook presents an elementary introduction to differential geometry with emphasis on geometric results. Avoiding formalism as much as possible, the author harnesses basic mathematical skills in analysis and linear algebra to solve interesting geometric problems, which prepare students for more advanced study in mathematics and other scientific fields such as physics and computer science.

The wide range of topics includes curve theory, a detailed study of surfaces, curvature, variation of area and minimal surfaces, geodesics, spherical and hyperbolic geometry, the divergence theorem, triangulations, and the Gauss-Bonnet theorem. The section on cartography demonstrates the concrete importance of elementary differential geometry in applications. Clearly developed arguments and proofs, colour illustrations, and over 100 exercises and solutions make this book ideal for courses and self-study. The only prerequisites are one year of undergraduate calculus and linear algebra.

'A terrific new book on differential geometry: a preliminary chapter eases the way from the familiar axiomatic treatment into the differential perspective. There are also very good discussions of discrete approximations to curves and surfaces, a complete proof of the existence of triangulations on Surfaces, and a beautiful discussion of cartography and constant curvature geometries. BSr provides plenty of intuition and many examples, while not stinting on the rigour.'-Rafe Mazzeo, Stanford University