With Illustrations by the Author, A SQUARE

[Edwin A. Abbott]

(1838-1926)

Second, revised edition, 1884

Table of Contents

Dedication
[About this Electronic Edition and its Authenticity]
[Portrait of author]
Preface to the Second and Revised Edition, 1884, by the Editor [Abbott]

Part 1: This World

Of the Nature of Flatland
Of the Climate and Houses in Flatland
Concerning the Inhabitants of Flatland
Concerning the Women
Of Our Methods of Recognizing one another
Of Recognition by Sight
Concerning Irregular Figures
Of the Ancient Practice of Painting
Of the Universal Colour Bill
Of the Suppression of Chromatic Sedition
Concerning our Priests
Of the Doctrine of our Priests
Part 2: Other Worlds

How I had a Vision of Lineland
How I vainly tried to explain the nature of Flatland
Concerning a Stranger from Spaceland
How the Stranger vainly endeavored to reveal to me in words the mysteries of Spaceland
How the Sphere, having in vain tried words, resorted to deeds
How I came to Spaceland and what I saw there
How, though the Sphere shewed me other mysteries of Spaceland, I still desired more; and what came of it
How the Sphere encouraged me in a Vision
How I tried to teach the Theory of Three Dimensions to my Grandson, and with what success
How I then tried to diffuse the Theory of Three Dimensions by other means, and of the result

To

The Inhabitants of SPACE IN GENERAL
And H.C. IN PARTICULAR
This Work is Dedicated
By a Humble Native of Flatland
In the Hope that
Even as he was Initiated into the Mysteries
Of THREE Dimensions
Having been previously conversant
With ONLY TWO
So the Citizens of that Celestial Region
May aspire yet higher and higher
To the Secrets of FOUR FIVE OR EVEN SIX Dimensions
Thereby contributing
To the Enlargment of THE IMAGINATION
And the possible Development
Of that most rare and excellent Gift of MODESTY
Among the Superior Races
Of SOLID HUMANITY

About this Electronic Edition and its Authenticity
This electronic version of Flatland is transcribed from the second edition (1884) of the original text. It appears that this is the most common (or perhaps the only) edition found on the internet. I may make corrections from time to time if I discover errors in this version. If so, such corrections will be based on my sixth edition (1952) paperback copy.
Introductory remarks by authors other than Abbott have been removed from this version and from most other versions found on the internet, the reason being such remarks are still protected by copyright law. Only the Preface, which was written by Abbott, remains.
I am not a big fan of electronic books, especially elegant books such as this. Flatland, in my humble opinion, is best read the old fashioned way - turning pages while sitting under an oak tree. Something is lost in the translation when the book is read through such a sterile means as this. Yet, surprisingly few people have read or even heard of this Masterpiece, and what better way of spreading the word of the great Chromatic Sedition than through the internet? Thus, I've joined the ranks of the many others who have posted this novel in the hopes that doing so will help insure future generations are exposed to one of the most amazing and inspiring books I've ever encountered. Enjoy!

Edwin A. Abbott (1838-1926)

Home

Flatland Index

Next Chapter