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The Elements

This series delves into the foundational principles of mathematics and geometry, presenting seminal works that have shaped Western thought for centuries. Each volume meticulously analyzes definitions, postulates, and propositions, accompanied by in-depth commentary from ancient to modern scholars. It serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the evolution of mathematical rigor and logical reasoning. The collection offers a fascinating exploration of intellectual history and the enduring influence of geometric concepts.

The thirteen books of Euclid's elements. Vol. 1
The Thirteen Books of the Elements, Vol. 3
The Thirteen Books of the Elements, Vol. 2

Recommended Reading Order

  1. 1

    This definitive edition presents the complete Euclid, featuring the full text established by Heiberg, encompassing nearly 2,500 years of mathematical and historical study. This unabridged republication includes all 13 books of the Elements, accompanied by a critical apparatus that meticulously analyzes each definition, postulate, and proposition. It delves into textual and linguistic aspects, mathematical interpretations of Euclid’s concepts, and insights from classical, medieval, Renaissance, and modern commentators, supplemented by extensive quotations. The introduction spans 151 pages, covering Euclid's life, other works, Greek and Islamic commentators, surviving manuscripts, scholia, translations, and the foundations of his thought. Volume 1 includes Books I and II, addressing straight lines, angles, intersections, triangles, and parallelograms. Volume 2 encompasses Books III-IX, discussing circles, tangents, segments, ratios, proportions, polygons, prime numbers, and more. Volume 3 covers Books X to XIII, exploring planes, solid angles, and the method of exhaustion in similar polygons, pyramids, cones, cylinders, and spheres. An appendix features Books XIV and XV, which are sometimes attributed to Euclid.

    The thirteen books of Euclid's elements. Vol. 1
  2. 2

    Volume 2 of 3-volume set containing complete English text of all 13 books of the Elements plus critical analysis of each definition, postulate, and proposition. Covers textual and linguistic matters; mathematical analyses of Euclid's ideas; classical, medieval, Renaissance and modern commentators; refutations, supports, extrapolations, reinterpretations and historical notes. Vol. 2 includes Books III-IX: Circles, relationships, rectilineal figures.

    The Thirteen Books of the Elements, Vol. 2
  3. 3

    This is the definitive edition of one of the very greatest classics of all time—the full Euclid, not an abridgement. Utilizing the text established by Heiberg, Sir Thomas Heath encompasses almost 2500 years of mathematical and historical study upon Euclid. This unabridged republication of the original enlarged edition contains the complete English text of all 13 books of the Elements, plus a critical apparatus which analyzes each definition, postulate, and proposition in great detail. It covers textual and linguistic matters; mathematical anayses of Euclid's ideas; classical, medieval, Renaissance, modern commentators; refutations, supports, extrapolations, reinterpretations, and historical notes, all given with extensive quotes. "The textbook that shall really replace Euclid has not yet been written and probably never will be," Encyclopaedia Britannica.

    The Thirteen Books of the Elements, Vol. 3