Flatland

By: Edwin A. Abbott

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Synopsis: As a satire, Flatland offered pointed observations on the social hierarchy of Victorian culture. However, the novellas 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. The unnamed narrator, a humble square (the social caste of gentlemen and professionals), guides us through some of the implications of life in two dimensions. The Square has a dream about a visit to a one-dimensional world (Lineland), and attempts to convince the realms ignorant monarch of a second dimension, but finds that it is essentially impossible to make him see outside of his eternally straight line.