Booklist

Following is a list of books on polyhedra that I have found both useful and entertaining. Some are quite technical, but then geometry is a technical subject, and those who find it interesting will plow through the technicalities to learn more about a fascinating subject.

Holden, Alan: Shapes, Space and Symmetry, New York, Dover Publications, 1991. This is probably the most approachable book on the subject. Holden explains the geometric solids and supplies directions for building models of not only the regular solids, but also the Archimedean and some stellated solids.

Williams, Robert: The Geometrical Foundation of Natural Structure, Dover Publications, 1991. A somewhat more complex approach to geometric figures, both plane and solid, and with a more structured mathematical approach. But for a deeper understanding of these polyhedra, it is invaluable.

Cundy, H.M. and Rollett: Mathematical Models, Oxford University Press, 1961, republished by Tarquin Publications, 1985. This is a wide ranging book, covering all sorts of mathematical models, but with a very good section on the polyhedra.

Wenninger, Magnus J.: Polyhedral Models, Cambridge University Press, 1971. This was my first and still favorite text on the subject. My very first contact was in an article in Encyclopedia Britannica, entitled simply "Solids, Geometric". There were very few ilustrations, but a table including the regular, archimedean and regular generalized polyhedra. From the table, I worked out networks for all those listed, and constructed models. Then I found Wenninger's book, and it extended my geometric world considerably. He explains and illustrates all the above polyhedra, plus many others, and gives networks for all of them. A thoroughly excellent text.

And finally, two additional texts by Wenninger that extend the first work and expand it to include other types of models. They are:

Dual Models, Cambridge University Press, 1973 and

Spherical Models, C.U.P., 1979.

These three books will tell you all (and possibly more than) you care to know about geometric solid models, and would provide years of study and construction if you are so inclined.

A recent addition to my library is Peter R. Cromwell: Polyhedra, Cambridge University Press, 1997. This is definitely a mathematical approach, but contains much detail and historical background on polyhedral theory through the ages.

Good Reading!