Why are cans, pizzas, and manhole covers round? Why does the spiral pattern appear in galaxies, hurricanes, and haircuts? In this engaging exploration of the ways mathematical principles have shaped the world around us, Michael Schneider demonstrates how cathedrals, cucumbers, beehives, and the human body arise from the numbers 1 through 10. From the structure of molecules to the structure of board games, Schneider reveals that the language of geometry informs every level of the universe we inhabit, including the universe of our minds. Why is the number 7 lucky? Why is 6 our standard reference for measuring time? A richly illustrated journey of science and philosophy, A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe provides readers with a new and utterly compelling view of the world.