"The author has achieved a remarkable feat, introducing a naïve reader to a rich history without compromising the insights and without leaving out a delicious detail. Furthermore, he describes the development of topology from a suggestion by Gottfried Leibniz to its algebraic formulation by Emmy Noether, relating all to Euler's formula. This book will be valuable to every library with patrons looking for an awe-inspiring experience."--J. McCleary, CHOICE Magazine
"I highly recommend this book for teachers interested in geometry or topology, particularly for university faculty. The examples, proofs, and historical anecdotes are interesting, informative, and useful for encouraging classroom discussions. Advanced students will also glimpse the broad horizons of mathematics by reading (and working through) the book."--Dustin L. Jones, Mathematics Teacher
"This is an excellent book about a great man and a timeless formula. Well within the reach of the intelligent layperson, it is also a good book to use as a resource for a course where the students are required to make presentations."--Charles Ashbacher, Journal of Recreational Mathematics
"The book contains hundreds of diagrams, all beautifully rendered and seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Even without burdensome calculations, there are places where Richeson demands much from his readers, but he rewards them with a fast-paced and wide-ranging survey of some very fascinating facets of modern mathematics."--Robert Bradley, Times Higher Education
"I liked Richeson's style of writing. He is enthusiastic and humorous. It was a pleasure reading this book, and I recommend it to everyone who is not afraid of mathematical arguments and has ever wondered what this field of 'rubber-sheet geometry' is about. You will not be disappointed."--Jeanine Daems, The Mathematical Intelligencer
"It's an excellent account of the historical context of today's topology and combinatorics."--Tony Mann, Times Higher Education
"Euler's Gem is a thoroughly satisfying meditation on one of mathematics' loveliest formulas. The author begins with Euler's act of seeing what no one previously had, and returns repeatedly to the resulting formula with ever more careful emendations and ever-widening points of view. This highly nuanced narrative sweeps the reader into the cascade of interlocking ideas which undergird modern topology and lend it its power and beauty."--Donal O'Shea, author of The Poincaré Conjecture: In Search of the Shape of the Universe
"Beginning with Euler's famous polyhedron formula, continuing to modern concepts of 'rubber geometry,' and advancing all the way to the proof of Poincaré's Conjecture, Richeson's well-written and well-illustrated book is a gentle tour de force of topology."--George G. Szpiro, author of Poincaré's Prize: The Hundred-Year Quest to Solve One of Math's Greatest Puzzles
"A fascinating and accessible excursion through two thousand years of mathematics. From Plato's Academy, via the bridges of Königsberg, to the world of knots, soccer balls, and geodesic domes, the author's enthusiasm shines through. This attractive introduction to the origins of topology deserves to be widely read."--Robin Wilson, author of Four Colors Suffice: How the Map Problem Was Solved
"Appealing and accessible to a general audience, this well-organized, well-supported, and well-written book contains vast amounts of information not found elsewhere. Euler's Gem is a significant and timely contribution to the field."--Edward Sandifer, Western Connecticut State University
"Euler's Gem is a very good book. It succeeds in explaining complicated concepts in engaging layman's terms. Richeson is keenly aware of where the difficult twists and turns are located, and he covers them to satisfaction. This book is engaging and a joy to read."--Alejandro López-Ortiz, University of Waterloo