A Mathematician's Guide to the Alhambra

This highly-illustrated volume is the text that you need to have in front of you as you explore the rich Moorish tiling patterns that decorate the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. It tells you where to look, and what you are looking at. It tackles the claim that all of the 17 possible tilings are to be found in the Alhambra (the answer is 'yes', 'no' and 'maybe'!). And it explains enough of the mathematics behind symmetry to leave you with an understanding of what is going on, without swamping you in technical details.

It's an essential guide if you are visiting the Alhambra (whether or not you are a mathematician), but it also is an entertaining read even if you haven't left home!

WARNING: the explanations make extensive use of colour in the illustrations; you will enjoy only a limited experience if you use this e-book on a black-and-white device.