Introduction to Non-Euclidean Geometry

This book has been written in an attempt to provide a satisfactory textbook to be used as a basis for elementary courses in Non-Euclidean Geometry. The need for such a volume, definitely intended for classroom use and containing substantial lists of exercises, has been evident for some time. It is hoped that this one will meet the requirements of those instructors who have been teaching the subject regularly, and also that its appearance will encourage others to institute such courses.

The benefits and amenities of a formal study of Non-Euclidean Geometry are generally recognized. Not only is the subject matter itself valuable and intensely fascinating, well worth the time of any student of mathematics, but there is probably no elementary course which exhibits so clearly the nature and significance of geometry and, indeed, of mathematics in general. However, a mere cursory acquaintance with the subject will not do. One must follow its development at least a little way to see how things come out, and try his hand at demonstrating propositions under circumstances such that intuition no longer serves as a guide.