Topology

A Very Short Introduction

By: Richard Earl

Narrated by: Bruce Mann

How is a subway map different from other maps? What makes a knot knotted? What makes the Möbius strip one-sided? These are questions of topology, the mathematical study of properties preserved by twisting or stretching objects. In the 20th century, topology became as broad and fundamental as algebra and geometry, with important implications for science, especially physics.

In this Very Short Introduction audiobook, Richard Earl gives a sense of the more visual elements of topology (looking at surfaces) as well as covering the formal definition of continuity. Considering some of the eye-opening examples that led mathematicians to recognize a need for studying topology, he pays homage to the historical people, problems, and surprises that have propelled the growth of this field.

©2019 Richard Earl (P)2020 Tantor

Book Review Topology

The book was dry and needed a pdf to go with it. It was hard to follow the book without images.

4 stars if u have the book to follow the drawings

The formulas and drawings are quite detailed and require an abbreviated PDF to follow along ( not currently provided). The narrator is monotonous, but the contents of the book make for an excellent college survey level course. Get a used copy of the tiny book to follow along with the audio.

Narration has to be heard to be believed!

Oh, wow! Try the sample audio before buying. I was convinced it was being read by AI at first. The little bit of inflection he uses is in odd places. At best he sounds like the Econ teacher in Ferris Bueller’s day off. The content may be good, but I couldn’t follow it. I think a pdf to follow along with would be essential for getting anything out of it. On the positive side, I slowed the audio down to 70%, and it resolves any bout of insomnia in seconds.

Unsuitable for audio

This is a reading of a book in the Oxford Press Very Short Introduction series which is superb. The text is read verbatim just as someone would read a novel such as Oliver Twist. Since this is math and not a novel, this is a monotone rendering of every word and symbol of the text. It is impossible to follow much of it (I have BS and MS in math and have taken courses in topology). Unlike a text, where one can pause, re-read a line, ponder, consult a diagram, etc., this is not feasible when walking or driving while listening. Buy the book. Capital D, small o, small n, apostrophe, small t, space, small b, small u, small y, small t, small h, small i, small s, space, small a, small u, small d, small i, small o. Just a small hint.

Just Awful

Awful monotone. A total waste of money. A subject that I love - presented in an utterly inaccessible voice