Edwin A. Abbott 
Flatland 

In Edwin A. Abbott’s groundbreaking mathematical treatise ‘Flatland, ‘ readers are taken on a journey to a two-dimensional world inhabited by geometric shapes. Through the protagonist, a square named A. Square, Abbott explores the limitations of perception and society’s resistance to change. The book is presented as a satirical examination of Victorian society, but also serves as an allegory for the complexities of dimensions and the nature of reality. With its inventive narrative style and thought-provoking concepts, ‘Flatland’ challenges readers to reconsider their own perceptions of the world around them. Abbott’s use of mathematical principles to create a social commentary elevates the book to a unique work of literature that continues to inspire readers and scholars alike. Abbott’s background as a mathematician and theologian undoubtedly influenced his creation of ‘Flatland, ‘ adding depth and complexity to the themes explored in the book. I highly recommend ‘Flatland’ to readers interested in philosophy, mathematics, and societal critique, as it offers a truly original and intellectually stimulating reading experience.

Over de auteur

Edwin A. Abbott (1838–1926) was an English schoolmaster and theologian, best remembered for his work ‘Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions’ (1884). The novella is a satirical exploration of Victorian society through the lens of geometric allegory, a creative narrative that has garnered enduring appeal for its insightful critique of hierarchy and closed-mindedness, as well as its inventive approach to imagining other dimensions. Abbott’s literary style combines elements of social satire, mathematical exploration, and scientific fantasy, positioning him as a distinctive figure in the literary landscape of the 19th century.

Abbott was born on December 20, 1838, in Marylebone, London, and was educated at the City of London School and St John’s College, Cambridge. A distinguished academic, he was ordained as an Anglican cleric and served as headmaster at the City of London School from 1865 to 1889. Beyond ‘Flatland’, Abbott authored several scholarly texts, including ‘Shakespearean Grammar’ (1870) and works on theological critique. His contributions to literature and education reflect a profound engagement with philosophical, social, and mathematical thought, bridging the gap between literature and the evolving scientific discourse of his time. His persistent religious interests, married with his educational and literary endeavours, paint a portrait of a multifaceted individual traversing and challenging the intellectual boundaries of his era.