CONSTRUCTING THE UNIVERSE has been on the bookshelf for over a year, and it's really only now that I'm beginning to fully appreciate and process Schneider's masterpiece and its implications - or what could be called an Almanac of Discovery. Although not wanting to write a review until I had finished absorbing it completely, ultimately this work will never date as it's the kind of visual and text based product that provides a continual unfolding of yet deeper and deeper levels of understanding. Its not one of those books that is restricted to a single epiphany or message; I've noticed how it has changed and informed my view of nature's patterns, and geography, on various hiking trips through sacred space.

Yet strangely, Schneider's work is also accessible and appealing to my kids, who have wholeheartedly taken up the challenge and tried to build temples with their crazy Dad; applying their maths and geometry lessons with patience as compasses, string and wooden pegs have been variously lost and dropped.

I'm not into extremely complex and detailed sacred geometry; so this work is absolutely ideal for my needs; yet don't be fooled into thinking it's simply a beginner's piece either, for it most certainly is not. At 350 odd pages of diagrams, descriptions, tables and references to science, mythology, and ancient texts, CONSTRUCTING THE UNIVERSE provides a rich thematic mathematical and geometric approach to the world we live in. Highly recommended. Rgds

This book is a very rich resource for all artists and designers. He moves beyond number as quantity and shows the rich array of the patterns, structures, symbolism, and natural examples of each number's unique qualities.
It's number explained for visual thinkers. Oh how I wish I had been given this approach in elementary and high school. I knew numbers were intriguing, but not as calculation for business and engineering. FINALLY someone who understands number can show us through our eyes and hands the beauty and elegance of numbers without
using a slide rule, or calculator. It's done visually and the worksheets for each number are very interesting and provide the experience of number and structure. I recommend it highly to all artists and designers, and students.

"It is written on the limitless constellations of the celestial heavens, on the depths of the emerald seas and on every grain of sand in the vast desert that the world which we see is an outward and visible dream of an inward and invisible reality." - Sufi saying.

This book is a beautiful re-introduction to the "Sacred Geometry", the study of the simple mathematical patterns that dominate the universe. At the same time this practice both argues for a creator and also one who is unlike the standard "Holy book" picture for his basic engines of creation unfold like a lotus flower into infinity.

Unlike most stuff found in a "New Age" store, this book is not arguing you to believe anything, it shows you and teaches you and lets your own mind do the work. If I ever become a teacher I'll use bits of this book to try to get students to actually think and hopefully enjoy math, arts, the sciences.

Artfully done with many interesting side notes. Easy to read, the book raises many deep questions. Well worth the price!

Colleague Michael Schneider (who I had the pleasure of interviewing on community radio/TV a few years ago) wrote this outstanding book that has wonderful little illustrations and photographs showing how geometry and number remind us universal archetypes every where we turn in nature, art and architecture. For over a decade I've recommended this book as a perfect complement to my Sacred Geometry Design Sourcebook which you can also find here on Amazon or on my website at www.GeometryCode.com. If you want a great place to begin exploring sacred geometry (even though he doesn't call it that :-), A Beginner's Guide... and SGDS make a great pair of references.

First I bought two copies. Sent one to my 90 year old mother who read it cover to cover. Then gave away the other as an emergency gift. Then bought two more. Now I have to buy more because I read my own copy and have three people to whom I would like to give the remaining copy. Let's see, that is 2 + 2 = 4 + 2 or 3 = 6 or 7. Now I know what those numbers "are". This book is precious. It allows one to see the magic and the mystery in common objects and relationships around us. Nicely written. A lot of fun. The whole book is worth the price just for the fantastic quotes in the margins, let alone the chapters. I love this book. I am glad to know more about the radiant essence of my apples, bowls, desks, steering wheel, hands - and everything around me. Thank you Michael Schneider.

A Beginners Guide to Constructing the Universe shows the mathematical underpinnings of nature by explaining how nature makes use of the numbers 1 - 10 and also 12 and 13. For example number six is used by nature in the construction of many things including walls of cells as the six sided hexagon is a very stable geometric object. There is some focus on mystical aspects of math but not too much so that there ends up being a lot of practical knowledge to be found here. The Fibonacci sequence is presented along with the use it is put to by nature. There is a presentation of the golden mean also. I highly recommend this book to those who have had interest in math drilled out of them by the drudgery of unfocused arithmetic and algebra lessons. This book is a peak into the fascinating world of mathematics and should whet your appetite for more. One book to consider after reading this book is "Fascinating Fibonacci's" as it contains more detailed information on the material found in chapter 5 of this book.

An amazing combination of mathematics, science, history, religion. As the story of geometry unfolds so unfolds many other stories of our universe.
Hint: invest in a compass, do the suggested activities and examples, have fun

Reminds me of people who see number patterns in everything--even when it's mere coincidence. A few good ideas and concepts, but trying to tease them out is a chore. And some of the books statements are flat wrong--sorry, but nature is sometimes horribly prolific with resources, not studiously careful. If you are interested in a kind of metaphysical approach, it might be very interesting, but if you are interested in real numbers, real math, real life, um, not here. He points things out that are derived from a triangle or rectangle or the intersection of this or that . . . but really, the 'things' could be designed with other concepts in mind.

I did very little geometry in school and as I was wanting to understand the golden mean I bought this book. I'm now on the number 5. This book discribes the making of the universe and how each number got its name. How everything starts from 1 and it goes on what 2 does and so on. It is deep reading but very interesting.

I always enjoyed geometry in school, and this book opened up a whole new depth to the subject for me.

Reading the book, I dug out my compass, pencil, straight edge and 30, 60, and 90 degree angles to perform the various exercises recommended by the author.

Constructing the various geometrical figures I found to be akin to creating mandalas. You create something originating in the abstract that becomes concrete, that in turn ultimately becomes personally meaningful.

Also, I learned to view several churches in town on a completely different level.

Reading this book, you will never look at the numbers one through ten in quite the same way again.

The numbers take on significance and hint at something sublime and even transcendent.

Through this book, I discovered the rich undercurrents of pythagorean number theory, and their application to the rich christian architecture of the medieval churches.

With all the fuss over feng shui, this book draws from our decidedly western tradition, revealing we have our own undiscovered architectural history that has yet to capture the popular imagination.

A wonderful introduction, chapter by chapter, number by number, to sacred geometry and the pythagoreanism that runs through it.

I always enjoyed geometry in school, and this book opened up a whole new depth to the subject for me.

Reading the book, I dug out my compass, pencil, straight edge and 30, 60, and 90 degree angles to perform the various exercises recommended by the author.

Constructing the various geometrical figures I found to be akin to creating mandalas. You create something originating in the abstract that becomes concrete, that in turn ultimately becomes personally meaningful.

Also, I learned to view several churches in town on a completely different level.

Reading this book, you will never look at the numbers one through ten in quite the same way again.

The numbers take on significance and hint at something sublime and even transcendent.

Through this book, I discovered the rich undercurrents of pythagorean number theory, and their application to the rich christian architecture of the medieval churches.

With all the fuss over feng shui, this book draws from our decidedly western tradition, revealing we have our own undiscovered architectural history that has yet to capture the popular imagination.

A wonderful introduction, chapter by chapter, number by number, to sacred geometry and the pythagoreanism that runs through it.

I love this book! It is the first time I've read on the subject, and it is chockful of so much eye opening info. I enjoy it so much that I am making a cliff notes book for myself and illustrating it just for fun. This may sound wierd, but as an artist, sacred geometry has changed the way I see the world and my art, it is changing my life. I recommend to all, though you have to have a somewhat academic vocabulary base to truly understand this book.

I love this book! It is the first time I've read on the subject, and it is chockful of so much eye opening info. I enjoy it so much that I am making a cliff notes book for myself and illustrating it just for fun. This may sound wierd, but as an artist, sacred geometry has changed the way I see the world and my art, it is changing my life. I recommend to all, though you have to have a somewhat academic vocabulary base to truly understand this book.

He knows his subject. The man can write, he is simply brilliant. He has such an enlightened way of connecting all the dots while keeping you interested in very complex principles.
A-plus all the way.

the only thing i would add to what others have said is that it really only makes sense if read in order.

when i bought a copy for a friend, and flipped through it, i thought, "what is this nonsense with the vesica piscis?" and found it too abstract and boring.

when i picked it up again and read from the beginning, i found it fascinating and couldn't put it down.

yes, one could find fault with some of the author's associations, but his enthusiasm for the subject is contagious, and the general philosophical history of numbers very worthwhile.

i recommend it highly, but don't flip around--in my experience, to enjoy this one, you have to start at zero.

the only thing i would add to what others have said is that it really only makes sense if read in order.

when i bought a copy for a friend, and flipped through it, i thought, "what is this nonsense with the vesica piscis?" and found it too abstract and boring.

when i picked it up again and read from the beginning, i found it fascinating and couldn't put it down.

yes, one could find fault with some of the author's associations, but his enthusiasm for the subject is contagious, and the general philosophical history of numbers very worthwhile.

i recommend it highly, but don't flip around--in my experience, to enjoy this one, you have to start at zero.

i take this book with me everywhere i go, i have read it over and over again, and everytime i do so, i discover a whole new world beneath my fingertips.
this book should be taught in schools and universities, it is simply a work of excellence.

As a beginner to the world of Sacred Geometry, I am pleased to report that this book is great. It is a truly easy read loaded with imagery and quotes which support and embrace Schneider's views.

As a beginner to the world of Sacred Geometry, I am pleased to report that this book is great. It is a truly easy read loaded with imagery and quotes which support and embrace Schneider's views.

I got assigned this book as part of a class. The idea that geometry and philosophy had any ties were ridiculously explored in this book. It achives nothing, but on the plus side it isnt very long, giving lots of space for drawings and quotes that have nothing to do with the subject matter.

I tried to approach this book with an open mind, but all I got was a headache and innumerable brain cells to flee in the overhwelming horror of how awful this thing is.

I attended a Sacred Geometry workshop sponsored by Phanes Press/David Fideler back in 1996 and had the good fortune to meet the author of A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe. The inspiring manner in which he presented difficult to grasp concepts (difficult for an innumerate, right brained type such as myself) helped me to reconnect with the actual humane-ness of mathematics, something so neglected/discouraged in education on all levels these days. This book is exemplary in that it directly purveys the spiritedness of the author himself-his genuine enthusiasm for the archetypal topic at hand, in this case the numbers one through ten. A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe certainly is the place to start the voyage to reclaiming the spirit and life hidden with mathematics. Number Crunchers take heed because numbers are alive!

Jaye Beldo: Netnous@Aol.Com

When i read the book, i was awakened! And many secrets were revealed that were protected by elite societies in the past. Numbers shape the world, and the book explains why. In fact, it's common sense when you come to think about it. All shapes are numbers with appearance. Numbers cannot be seen. But they are manifested in the square as 4, triangle as 3. And to realize that all shapes can be derived by the vescica pesces, is amazing. Two circles that overlap at their centers. It's a metaphore that teaches us people how to interact with each other -- in a way that two beings should touch each other's centers ( but this is not included in the book...just a thought ).

Who knew that our universe is such a spectacularly ordered place? Michael Schneider takes us on a fantastic voyage through the primary numbers one through ten, and shows us how numbers and geometry have helped shape our world and the cosmos. Why is a manhole cover round? Because a circle, whose diameter is everywhere equal, is the only shape that won't fall into its own hole. Three symbolizes harmony -- life has a beginning, a middle and an end. Life forms are often characterized by pentagons (cut an apple in half crosswise and look at the seeds), while six is the number of structure-function-order, as seen in the hexagonal symmetry of crystals and snowflakes. This book is by no means for math majors only; even math dummies like this reviewer will find themselves totally caught up. Art and design students especially will appreciate the almost infinite variety of possible designs suggested within each primary number and the basic shapes (circle, square and triangle). Schneider also shows how, with a compass, pencil and straightedge, one can construct one's own symbolic universe. I came away from this book not only enlightened on the subject of symbolic math, but blown away by the relationship between geometry and religion. Because reading this book makes one realize that the universe is not random, as we see it within our limited scope, but has a definite function and order, and perhaps only the God who created it according to His plan can see it whole.

Although Schneider clearly has a strong grasp of
"mathematics" (using his definition--meaning not just
number theory), he seems to want to paint us a fantastic
picture where none exists.

I was excited when I first opened this book, expecting
to read about all the fascinating parallels between
numbers and natural processes that occur in our universe.
Instead, I was disappointed to find mostly bombast,
mixed with a few gems of fascinating and useful information.

I had to read quickly through lengthy sections talking
about "cosmic" energies and how we (humans) are a miniature
of the cosmos or how great philosophers of the past had deep
knowledge of numbers that has since been forgotten--knowledge
that we all still have if he can just "remind" us.

Each chapter spends a little time talking about its designated
shape (chapter 3 is the triangle, chapter 5 is the pentagon,
etc) and how to construct the shape using only a compass and
unlined straight-edge. These parts are wonderful, fascinating,
and useful.

Then he goes on to show how the numer or shape can be found
in mythology, art, and life. A lot of it seems like a big
stretch--maybe if you squint your eyes and tilt your head you
MIGHT see how the painting is based on a triangle, or how the
grasshopper's dimensions are somewhat like the golden ratio
(1.618). To convince us, the author throws in a handful of
quotes on nearly every page, from scientists, philosophers,
mathematicians, and even the Bible. I think given enough
quotes and enough paintings, even I could make a case that
the paintings are based on any shape I come up with. It
doesn't mean anything though.

If you enjoy metaphysical discussions about mother earth
goddess energy, this book may appeal to you. If you don't
mind skipping over 3/4 of the book to extract the truly
interesting information, this book may appeal to you.
Otherwise, Amazon has some good books on geometry, several
good books on the Golden Ratio (phi is truly astonishing),
and you can find Euclid's geometric constructions at a number
of websites.

Remove all the blather and reduce this book from 350 pages
to about 100 pages, and I'd give it 4 stars. Otherwise,
I leave my rating at 2 stars.

I can't say enough about this fascinating book by this genius of an author. It is absolutely incredible, and the guy who wrote it is up there with Stephen Hawking as far as I'm concerned. To be able to make such astute observations about the mathematical and geometric patterns in the reality we live in and be able to document them in such a concise manner, all the while still managing to make the book a thoroughly enjoyable read is nothing short of ingenious. I'd give this book ten stars if I could. Twenty stars. It is fascinating to read, even if all you do is look at the pictures, and the second you get it in your hands I really think you'll agree.....but you ain't getting your hands on my copy :-)

It's a good thing they bound the book well, because I have put it to a good deal of use over the last few years, as have the numerous people who have come over to read it (because I won't let them leave my house with it!).

The author manages to get me to pull out my compass and actually draw geometrical patterns and explore the often-unexpected relationships between different shapes & patterns. And his joy in the subject inspires me to see nature's patterns and relationships as well, which seems to be the main point of the book.

A few reviewers seem to take at least some issue with some of the author's colorful ideas and statements, but I don't feel that they detract from the book in any powerful way, considering the author's intent to inspire fresh thinking in the student. Sometimes the best way to do this is to point to some unusual connections and coincidences. It's not a book about theorem and proof, but about falling in love with geometry (and in this it excels).

The relationship between mathematics and the natural world has been argued about for 100's of years and the philosophy of mathematics has great significance when one looks back through the development of civilization and social structure. If you are interested in looking past the quantitative nature of numbers and discovering the entangled web of basic mathematics and human development then I could not recommend a better book.

This book is aimed at the generally inquisitive reader not the mathematics expert, there is little mathematics as we might recall from school. Instead Schneider draws on his considerable knowledge of history to give a whole new ( in fact ancient ) relevance to the numbers 1 to 10. There is nothing difficult in this book, it is written with the objective of enthusing the reader to look further rather than to teach.

I have a degree in mathematics and struggled with some of the more esoteric spiritual areas of the book but in general I enjoyed the read. The flow of the text was easy to read and logical and text is backed up by a considerable number diagrams and pictures although the quality of some of the images is lost in the news print quality paper.

What more can I say! This is an amazing amount of research about the laws of nature and the human race! Great work!

I really did not like math when I was in school. What was the point? Manipulating a bunch of abstract concepts for the mere sake of doing the work. Why don't they teach this type of math in schools? Well anyway, I believe that you can not truly understand life, religion and the world around us without taking a long look at this beautiful knowledge that has been preserved for so many millenia. If you want to look into the mind of God, study the rules by which he organized the universe. And if you think that everything around you is chaos, read this book and look again. You will find that everything from the microscopic to universal aggregate is striving toward simple and beautiful geometric patterns. The author does a nice job of giving to the reader a piece of his deep understanding and love for this subject. This book is more of a textbook and is neatly organized. I highly recommend also getting a copy of Sacred Geometry: Philosophy and Practice by Robert Lawlor. It has lots of excercises to emerse the student in the beauty of geometric relationships. These two books go hand-in-hand. Lastly, I can not emphasize enough how much more understanding I gained about religion by learning geometry. Does that sound bizzare? I suppose, but it is true.

This is a very well written book that relates some basic concepts in geometry to science, architecture and life. Each of the ten chapters is about a geometric shape and Mr. Schneider shows how to construct it using only compass and straight-edge. The author begins every construction from a circle, and every line is shown as the intersection of two or more circles. This is consistent with his assertion in Chapter One that the circle is Unity, but I believe it is also more accurate geometrically.
Mr. Schneider gets into the Platonic Solids, explains the golden section and its use in architecture and nature, shows the regularity in nature and a lot more. This is a very educational book that covers a lot of ground, and does so in an entertaining way.
What I really like about the book is the author's ability to bring geometry to life. There are many diagrams, drawings and pictures which make it easy to follow the text.
The book is written for the layman, not the mathematician. If you are looking for a more rigorous introduction to geometry, try reading H.M.S. Coxeter (if you can!).
This book would be a nice companion to "The Power of Limits" by Doczi, 'The Geometry of Art and Life" by Ghyka, and "The Divine Proportion" by Huntley.
If I had to recommend only one book about geometry for the average reader, this book would be my first choice.

As a thumb rule we learned mathemathics as a field that manipulate numbers and abstract objects, this book open the mind to those believers that need a probe, it shows that mathematics field is contemplation and intervention in something deeper, the stetic spirit of human mind and the creation of universal beauty.

I was hoping for a relatively scientific treatment of the subject, not numerology. If you believe in horoscopes, you'll like this book.

Forgiving and putting aside any semblences of "New Age fantasies", Michael Schneider offers extensive and enlightening research into the mathematical realities all around us. This book ranks in my top-favorite 4 or 5 library essential list. I only wish that I had this teaching method available to me while in junior high school; it would have made so many areas of study so much easier and interesting.

Buy this one. It is by far the best book written in this genre. The only place I have seen this much information in one place is on gfxguru.com which appears to be getting a full re-vamping. This book has it all from a to z. a MUST have for all people interested in this subject.

In this book, the author communicates a wealth of knowledge concerning the relationship between numbers and the world. The book is written in a manner that is easily understood by anyone; there is no need to have a back ground in mathematics to read this book. Not only did I enjoy reading "A Beginners Guide to Constructing the Universe", I also learned quite a few things. While reading this title, it is easy to feel the author's passion and knowledge about this subject. This book is a good starting point for anyone interested in the concept of numbers.

I was having trouble with the "Cosmic Doctrine" by Dion Fortune. This book cleared things up for me immensely. I would like to thank the author for writing it. According to the builders of the ADYTUM (school of ancient wisdom) there is a red devil Set...This author obviously had a lot of knowledge to write this book. I'm glad it's in my library along with the other great teachers!

I agree with prior reviews that the book is fun to read and, to the degree that it sticks with describing the wonderful, mysterious properties of numbers and the symbolic understanding of those properties, it's top notch. Occassionally, however, new age wishful thinking takes over. For example, as evidence of the cosmic significance of the number eight, it is noted that the sum of the angles in an octogon add up to 1080 degrees, the same value as the radius of the moon measured in miles. There are a number of other similar cases in the book when one feels that the author is really stretching in order to make a "significant connection." That said, the same enthusiasm that leads the author onto thin ice also makes the book a fun introduction to the romantic and mysterious aspects of mathematics.

What I find fascinating about this book is the way it explores relationships between numbers, and why geometry is not as artificial and arbitrary as most people think today. For example, the REASON why bees construct honeycombs from hexagonal cells.

The author knows his Pythagoras, but unfortunately he plays fast and loose with a few other things. One example is the "red devil" image of Set that doesn't exist anywhere in ancient Egyptian literature or art. And throughout the book he seems to go a little too far into New Age mystical fuzziness for my tastes.

Overall I'd recommend the book, but any statements that aren't purely mathematical, take with a grain of salt. The math itself is fascinating enough without the embellishments.

I am using this book to great effect in my Montessori elementary class with 9-12 year olds. Geometry is an important part of the Montessori elementary curriculum, but it is not very well integrated with the other subjects. Schneider's book is just the thing I needed to create those links to history, art, religion, literature, architecture, music, arithmetic and algebra. This allows me to turn almost any lesson into a geometry lesson on the spur of the moment and vice versa, which means that whatever the child is interested in can be their individual path to geometry. The children love repeating the constructions of the various geometrical figures, embellishing them, and discovering their own new patterns and methods. Montessori emphasizes story-telling as a core teaching strategy, and Schneider's book is a treasure trove of great vignettes, intriguing historical facts, and surprising developments with which to spice up the more formal lessons. The girls especially seem to benefit by a multi-disciplinary approach to geometry, which typically strikes them as cerebral and irrelevant to their lives. I would never have had the time to do the research to uncover all these stories and interconnections for myself. Thanks, Michael Schneider!

What a great book. This will stay in my library forever. It is rich with great illustration, well written explanations and a nice balance between fun and intellect. Michael Schneider really did a nice job on this one. If you liked geometry because it was "fun", you will love this book. It is not too steeped in mathemtical formulas (which usually put you to sleep and are an affectation of a boring author) but it does not shy away from using math theory when needed. The treatment of the golden-mean was really nice. I derived hours of pleasure from this book and am sure you will to. Overall - Good balance between pictures/geometry/math-theory/natural&historical-speculation. Hard to put down - even harder to loan out, but you do.

what can i say that all the other reviews haven't? This book is fascinating, and should be read at least by anybody with a passing interest in numbers, philosophy, ancient ways of seeing the world, and of course, mathematics and geometry, if not by everybody. But this book is so well written that just about anybody can grasp the concepts. I had always wished there was a book like this, and when I came across it, I was not disappointed in the least. Probably one of the most interesting books I have ever read, and I re-read it at least once a year.

This book is a labor of love...and discipline, and hard work. The quotations given on the wide margins of most pages are worth the price of admission alone. For instance, "The union of the mathematician with the poet, fervor with measure, passion with correctness, this surely is the ideal (William James). It is also the theme of the book.

But that is only the beginning. There are at least two, to as many as ten, illustrations on each page, half being scientific, the other half artistic. My favorite combination is the splash crater of a milk drop on p. 11 and the Hindu deity Shiva Nataraj on p. 4. They form a complimentary pair visually and philosophically, both illustrating the monad, a generating center with a resultant circle of generated objects.

In the next two chapters, two intersecting circles lead to the tension-filled dyad whose resolution is in the triad, which breaks the tension by allowing expansion to another dimension.

In my words, this sounds a bit mystical and foggy, but Schneider provides just the right amount of background which carries you into the heart of the world of numbers, showing how they reflect both the scientific construction of the universe as well as artistic human creations.

The longest chapter is on the number five, which remarkably leads to the spiral, and to the generation of life. These are very valuable insights, much to be pondered. This chapter also contains an excellent discussion of the Golden Mean, the number 1.618..., which is often found in nature as well as in human expeience.

Just pick the book up sometime and glance at the quotations and illustrations. If you can resist buying it, you are a better man than I am.

An excellent treatise on the sacredness of geometry and number and their relation to nature. Everything you need to know, eloquently explained with lots of pictorial examples. If they had taught me this stuff at school, I would probably have become a mathematician! Highly recommended.

I have to agree with the other reviewers who said they had a hard time putting this book down. So did I, even after I finished it! In fact, I loved this book so much, one year I bought 4 extra copies as Christmas presents. Without a doubt the most amazing book you will ever read. If you have lost touch with the awe and majesty of the universe, look no further, this is the book for you.

The Beginner's Guide is loaded with many facts and pictures related to numbers. As a source book for the mystical and natural significant importance of numbers, the book is top-notch. As a book of math, the Beginner's Guide is a poor buy. There are no proofs and no formulas. Any given paragraph will likely have a spiritual context. If you are a numerologist, this book is a must-have. If you're a mathematician, this probably isn't the book for you.

Start anywhere on this adventure. 3, 9, 7 whatever. It's like reading a blueprint of yourself. Reminds me of a cool drink of water on a hot day. Doing simple drawings really bring the words to life. Center of the circle tells quite the tale.

I have always been mesmerized by mathematics and its infinte implications; one could call it impassioned. Many people do not share my zeal. Some of these people are my family, friends, and associates. FINALLY I have a book to recommend that can open each and every one of them to unsuspected dimensions of this absolutely fascinating subject; the presentation alone will, I am sure, compel them to read on and on and on. I am awed at the scientific authenticity and gentleness with which Schneider creates such a sensible, spiritual, and harmonious synthesis. Utterly awed...and so very grateful. I'd love to see an index in the next edition.

It was difficult to put the book down long enough to type these comments!

It was very difficult to put this book down. Not only does Schneider evince a love and profound knowledge of his material, but he communicates his passion to the reader with a clarity uncharacteristic of many math exposeurs. It is a perfect teaching vehicle for parents and their children to foster a heartfelt respect for the mathematical majesty of nature, using examples from cultural history across the globe. His discussion of music and symbolic geometry is especially enlightening. This book should be required reading for any and all educators. A wonderful read!

Michael Schneider has given high school and college art and design students a book they can enjoy AND learn from, "Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe." Even international students with only basic English reading skills can appreciate and understand the contents. It is written in an understandable way and it's filled with wonderful and helpful illustrations that need no explanation. I'm sure that there will be a few scholars and post-Fermat mathematicians who will pooh-pooh Mr. Schneider's efforts, but I,for one, enjoyed the book...enough to use it for one of my texts for both graduate and undergraduate students in the art school where I teach philosophical geometry and linear perspective. Perhaps if there were more books like Mr. Schneider's on the market, our young students would not have some of the lowest reading levels in the world. Michael adeptly shows that dry old subjects like high school geometry have another far more interesting and dynamic side. He has brought an ancient realm of knowledge to the public's attention, and after the events of the last few months have shown in the media, we could all use a little turn of the head in other directions. Thank you, Mr. Michael Schneider, for refreshing the air.