Turtle Geometry: The Computer as a Medium for Exploring Mathematics (Artificial Intelligence)

I discovered this little gem of a book while exploring the stacks in the library when I was attending a local junior college back in the 80's. The author uses Logo's turtle graphics as a way of exploring the properties of geometric space. From very simple beginnings drawing regular polygons and other simple shapes, the book gradually works its way to more and more complicated scenarios. After exploring the properties of ordinary turtle graphics, turtle graphics are tried on the surfaces of spheres and cubes, then on more complicated surfaces. Little by little, concepts of non-Euclidean geometry are introduced, until the final chapters in which the turtle is used to demonstrate the geometric nature of gravity in Einstein's general theory of relativity.I strongly recommend this book to anyone with interests in computer programming, geometry and physics. The unusual approach this book takes to the understanding of curved space is deceptively simple and surprisingly powerful.

This book really is a classic. For anyone considering integrating Computational Modeling into the STEM curriculum, the approach is exemplary. The content is both mathematical but also touches physics in a deep way (local geometry makes physics look simple). The pseudo-code in the book is somewhat old-fashioned but quite adequate for anyone with a programming background. The style of delivery follows Modeling-Based Instruction, which is quite amazing considering when it was written. The STEM world definitely needs this text to be upgraded to use the modern browser with WebGL and JavaScript.

Mathematics presented in very easy-to-follow experiments. My only issue (and it's a small one) is that the examples are given in near-LOGO, not real-LOGO (in the books language, parameters don't start with colons, in real LOGO they do, that's the only real difference).

Not as new as I expected. Doesn't have original cover, though I can settle with the enforced hard cover.

Everything you always wanted to know about Turtle Graphics. More, actually, than you thought there was to know. Sample code for algorithms. Also a section on implementing Turtle Graphics in other computer languages with source code.

Well-written and useful, really enjoyed the examples and sample code

I don't remember buying it

I began working with this book in 1981 at the age of 15, using a Logo disk for the Apple II given to me by my sister's friend who worked in the MIT AI lab. It is a gem of a book. The mathematical subjects are explained in a clear, easy, and entertaining way. I loved it at the time. No one told me to read it or to create the programs in the book. I did it out of curiosity inspired by the many interesting topics. Along the way I got a good foundation in vector algebra, 2d and 3d geometry, programming, and other things, all without effort.It is good for children or young adults who may later work in physics or vector graphics. I wish it was updated to use a modern language or a modern version of Logo. There is no other book that collects such a mixture of different subjects together. I still open the book to remember basic concepts and just for the joy of reading it again.As an adult I created several different 2d vector graphics systems for other programmers to use. I credit this book for my interest in that area.