Flatland

A Romance of Many Dimensions

By: Edwin A. Abbott

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 3 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

As a satire, Flatland offers pointed observations on the social hierarchy of Victorian culture. However, the novella's more enduring contribution is its examination of dimensions; in a foreword to one of the many publications of the novella, noted science writer Isaac Asimov described Flatland as "the best introduction one can find into the manner of perceiving dimensions." As such, the novella is still popular amongst mathematics, physics, and computer-science students.

The story is about a two-dimensional world referred to as Flatland. All existence is limited to length and breadth in Flatland, its inhabitants unable even to imagine a third dimension. The amiable narrator, A Square, provides an overview of this fantastic world - its physics and metaphysics, its history, customs, and religious beliefs. But when a strange visitor mysteriously appears and transports the incredulous Flatlander to Spaceland, a land of three dimensions, his worldview is forever shattered.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

Can you really imagine the 4th or 5th dimension?

In theory, one can understand dimensions, but to actually move into another one, to truly understand and visualize existing in more than 3 dimensions, is really difficult. It is like trying to really understand color if you have always been blind. This book illustrates that difficulty in a way we can fully understand by dealing with a 2 dimensional creature, but more than that, the quest to understand beyond what is accepted, and the roadblocks both internally and in one's society, make this an interesting little drama that comments on the nature of understanding and of knowledge and our ability (or inability) to accept that there is much, much more than we know.

But in addition to the interesting ideas, the plot unfolds nicely, and we come to care about our main character.

This is a very well done production as well. The reader does a great job. I notice another version has just been released on audible and I cannot understand why when this one exists. It is in the public domain, I believe, which may account for it... But I recommend you try this one first. I can't see how it can be improved.

Intriguing

This quick listen was an intriguing story. It made a train ride between Albany and New York City fly by.

Wow!

A fantastic story of our fractal universe and the human experience. I will listen to it again.

wonderful!

This was THE most interesting book I have ever read...or listened to, for that matter.

mind expanding

listened to it twice, very interesting "story", concepts of many dimensions was clearly made in a fun interesting way.

Humorous and thought provoking.

A comical and insightful story of many anthropomorphized shapes and figures, one in particular which explores and describes the multiple dimensions he had visited.

Wonderful allegory about reality!

Great, short little book! The first half of it is repetitive and can be a bit tedious but once you make it to the main topic it all becomes worthwhile. If you let it, this book can expand your mind & expand your world in ways you would never have imagined. On the surface it is a silly little story but there are so many levels to it that it deserves to be listened to, mulled over and lived with for a while, then revisited for a second read.
Wonderful narration and production values as well.
Highly recommended for "deep thinkers".

MATHEMATICAL!

A point.
A line.
A shape.
An object.
A full dimension.
It's all about perspective and association no matter which height, length, depth, width, etc you live in.

Boring

Ok, the concept is fine--trying to explain a two dimensional world to a three dimensional person, but I just couldn't get into it.