This well-illustrated book develops a language close to that of ordinary discourse with which to discuss ideas about shapes, making it accessible to those who have not mastered the initial ideas of analysis and general topology. Ideal for students with its abundant exercises, the book is an example of the emerging discipline of mathematics education, as well as being about surfaces.

Mathematicians have developed the language of topology; but the conventional development leaves until last the discussion and ideas about shapes, so those who have not mastered the initial ideas of analysis and general topology are barred from participation by a rigid formalism. This book, first published in 1976, adopts a different approach, developing a language close to that of ordinary discourse. It is intended to encourage readers of varying backgrounds, but especially students, to think spatially. The text is well illustrated, with toned drawings creating three-dimensional effects where appropriate, and there are abundant exercises. Useful appendices accompany the text, providing hints and solutions to these exercises and also a sketch of how the treatment can be modelled within a conventional topology course for more advanced students. The book can be regarded as an example of the emerging discipline of mathematics education, as well as being about surfaces.