This friendly textbook explores many of the possible answers to the question, "What is the universe shaped like?" It provides an overview of the basic geometry of two- and three-dimensional spaces, illustrating the connection between geometry, cosmology, and the behavior of the physical universe. Numerous illustrations, exercises, and thought-experiments are included. Technical language and mathematical equations are kept to a minimum. Weeks is a "freelance mathematician" and a MacArthur Fellow. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)