Phi and the Divine Proportion
Phi - the Greek alphabet that denotes the golden ratio. It is a fixed mathematical ratio that has been associated with aesthetically pleasing shapes, which is what Huntley’s book, The Divine Proportion, attempts to describe. This ratio permeates various geometrical structures and has been linked to pleasing shapes (as identified through independent surveys).
Unfortunately, my mathematical faculties have been unexercised since I left university, and the book stretches my knowledge to its limits. If I were reading this ten years earlier, I might have found it easier. But nonetheless, this tome is for those who are comfortable with mathematical expressions, and not for an unprepared reader.
But still Huntley has made a commendable effort to bring together various disciplines - of music, psychology, geometry, algebra - and ties everything together with the Golden Ratio. His arguments are refreshing - its one of the first times I have heard anyone argue for the beauty of mathematics.
Now, if I only had the time to revise my algebra and work on those exercises!
3 stars.