Rating: 
Summary: Numbers are Alive!
Review: I attended a Sacred Geometry workshop sponsored by Phanes Press/David Fideler back in 1996 and had the good fortune to meet the author of A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe. The inspiring manner in which he presented difficult to grasp concepts (difficult for an innumerate, right brained type such as myself) helped me to reconnect with the actual humane-ness of mathematics, something so neglected/discouraged in education on all levels these days. This book is exemplary in that it directly purveys the spiritedness of the author himself-his genuine enthusiasm for the archetypal topic at hand, in this case the numbers one through ten. A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe certainly is the place to start the voyage to reclaiming the spirit and life hidden with mathematics. Number Crunchers take heed because numbers are alive!Jaye Beldo: Netnous@Aol.Com
Rating:
Summary: Nothing less than amazing.
Review: I can't say enough about this fascinating book by this genius of an author. It is absolutely incredible, and the guy who wrote it is up there with Stephen Hawking as far as I'm concerned. To be able to make such astute observations about the mathematical and geometric patterns in the reality we live in and be able to document them in such a concise manner, all the while still managing to make the book a thoroughly enjoyable read is nothing short of ingenious. I'd give this book ten stars if I could. Twenty stars. It is fascinating to read, even if all you do is look at the pictures, and the second you get it in your hands I really think you'll agree.....but you ain't getting your hands on my copy :-)
Rating:
Summary: A quintessential presentation.
Review: I have always been mesmerized by mathematics and its infinte implications; one could call it impassioned. Many people do not share my zeal. Some of these people are my family, friends, and associates. FINALLY I have a book to recommend that can open each and every one of them to unsuspected dimensions of this absolutely fascinating subject; the presentation alone will, I am sure, compel them to read on and on and on. I am awed at the scientific authenticity and gentleness with which Schneider creates such a sensible, spiritual, and harmonious synthesis. Utterly awed...and so very grateful. I'd love to see an index in the next edition. It was difficult to put the book down long enough to type these comments!
Rating:
Summary: Mathemagical!
Review: I have to agree with the other reviewers who said they had a hard time putting this book down. So did I, even after I finished it! In fact, I loved this book so much, one year I bought 4 extra copies as Christmas presents. Without a doubt the most amazing book you will ever read. If you have lost touch with the awe and majesty of the universe, look no further, this is the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: Why don't they teach this stuff in school?
Review: I really did not like math when I was in school. What was the point? Manipulating a bunch of abstract concepts for the mere sake of doing the work. Why don't they teach this type of math in schools? Well anyway, I believe that you can not truly understand life, religion and the world around us without taking a long look at this beautiful knowledge that has been preserved for so many millenia. If you want to look into the mind of God, study the rules by which he organized the universe. And if you think that everything around you is chaos, read this book and look again. You will find that everything from the microscopic to universal aggregate is striving toward simple and beautiful geometric patterns. The author does a nice job of giving to the reader a piece of his deep understanding and love for this subject. This book is more of a textbook and is neatly organized. I highly recommend also getting a copy of Sacred Geometry: Philosophy and Practice by Robert Lawlor. It has lots of excercises to emerse the student in the beauty of geometric relationships. These two books go hand-in-hand. Lastly, I can not emphasize enough how much more understanding I gained about religion by learning geometry. Does that sound bizzare? I suppose, but it is true.
Rating:
Summary: Why don't they teach this stuff in school?
Review: I really did not like math when I was in school. What was the point? Manipulating a bunch of abstract concepts for the mere sake of doing the work. Why don't they teach this type of math in schools? Well anyway, I believe that you can not truly understand life, religion and the world around us without taking a long look at this beautiful knowledge that has been preserved for so many millenia. If you want to look into the mind of God, study the rules by which he organized the universe. And if you think that everything around you is chaos, read this book and look again. You will find that everything from the microscopic to universal aggregate is striving toward simple and beautiful geometric patterns. The author does a nice job of giving to the reader a piece of his deep understanding and love for this subject. This book is more of a textbook and is neatly organized. I highly recommend also getting a copy of Sacred Geometry: Philosophy and Practice by Robert Lawlor. It has lots of excercises to emerse the student in the beauty of geometric relationships. These two books go hand-in-hand. Lastly, I can not emphasize enough how much more understanding I gained about religion by learning geometry. Does that sound bizzare? I suppose, but it is true.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I was having trouble with the "Cosmic Doctrine" by Dion Fortune. This book cleared things up for me immensely. I would like to thank the author for writing it. According to the builders of the ADYTUM (school of ancient wisdom) there is a red devil Set...This author obviously had a lot of knowledge to write this book. I'm glad it's in my library along with the other great teachers!
Rating: 
Summary: Not impressed
Review: I was hoping for a relatively scientific treatment of the subject, not numerology. If you believe in horoscopes, you'll like this book.
Rating:
Summary: Very accessible "sacred geometry" book!
Review: I'm quite biased because I'm the author. Just thought I'd mention that it took over 20 years of research and 2 years to write & illustrate (500 illus!), plus hundreds of relevant quotations in the side margins.The numbers 1-10 (&12) are the key to the code of nature's designs, and are the basis of an ancient symbolic language used to design the arts, crafts & architecture worldwide.Each of 10 chapters looks at that number & its related shapes, as they appear in nature's beautiful forms, in art, in symbolism, and as archetypes of our own spiritual nature. Shapes are the characters of the alphabet in which the Book of Nature is written, and this is a "math" book with no math (the kind of cold "math" we were shown in school, anyway). Some people call it "sacred geometry". This book will save you years of research, and show you how to appreciate the shapes of nature as a symbolic language familiar to our deepest self. Every shape has a "meaning" and this book shows you what they are. Reviews (Parabola Journal Winter 95, New Age Journal 8/95, etc, all remark how "accessible" it is. I hope you enjoy it. If you read it, write me, if you like. Happy Trails! Michael S. Schneider NYC
Rating:
Summary: A perfect place to start for anyone interested in numbers
Review: In this book, the author communicates a wealth of knowledge concerning the relationship between numbers and the world. The book is written in a manner that is easily understood by anyone; there is no need to have a back ground in mathematics to read this book. Not only did I enjoy reading "A Beginners Guide to Constructing the Universe", I also learned quite a few things. While reading this title, it is easy to feel the author's passion and knowledge about this subject. This book is a good starting point for anyone interested in the concept of numbers.
| 
