This book presents a well-defined set of geo-metrical solids, the seventy-five (known) uniform polyhedra, together with a representative set of stellated forms. A description of the underlying theory of polyhedra is included to bring out the relationships that exist between the various solids. But mainly this book is simply a set of instructions on how to make models of these solids.

The sources in which you can find an account of the mathematical theory of this topic are given at the end of the book. If in the past you found the study of geometry a bit difficult, or if at present you are not particularly attracted by geometry, you may wonder if this topic will hold your interest. The fact is that you really do not need to understand all the theoretical mathematics involved in the original discovery and classification of these solids. On the other hand you cannot avoid all the mathematics, especially the terminology used here and some of the symbolism.

The objective in this book will be to set down an explanation of the solids, at once simple and practical and not too speculative, one sufficient for the purposes of constructing the models. It is really surprising how much enlightenment will come, following the construction of the models rather than preceding it, and once you begin making them you may find that your enthusiasm will grow. You will soon see that each of these solids has a beauty of form that appeals to the eye in much the same way that the abstract mathematics appeals to the mind of a mathematician:

You may find the number of models presented here overwhelming, some of them extremely complex. Why should anyone want to make them? Maybe the answer is to be found in the reply of a mountain climber when he was asked, ‘Why do you want to climb the Matterhorn?’ ‘The mountain is there, isn't it?’