Lectures on the Icosahedron and the Solution of Equations of the Fifth Degree: With a New Introduction and Commentary (Classical Topics in Mathematics)

The highest achievement of Greek mathematics is the classification of regular solids, the five so-called Platonic solids. The most complicated solid is the icosahedron. Up to and through the 19th century, the most important problem in mathematics was solving algebraic equations. In this classic book, Klein showed how to relate these two seemingly unrelated topics and also tied them together with another new theory of mathematics: hypergeometric functions and monodromy groups. This clearly shows Klein's vision of the unity of mathematics. This book includes Peter Slodowy's commentaries and his expository paper on Klein's book to help readers understand the ADE classification and their many unexpected connections and applications under current study.