The Mathematical Traveler: Exploring The Grand History Of Numbers

by Calvin C. Clawson

The story of numbers is a rich, sweeping history that shows how our mathematical achievements contributed to the greatest innovations of civilization. Calvin Clawson, acclaimed author of Conquering Math Phobia , weaves a story of numbers that spans thousands of years. As Clawson so clearly shows, numbers are not only an intrinsic and essential thread in our modern lives, but have always been an integral part of the human psyche - knit into the very fabric of our identity as humans. Clawson travels back through time to the roots of the history of numbers. In exploring early human fascination with numbers, he unearths the clay beads, knotted ropes, and tablets used by our ancestors as counting tools. He then investigates how numeric symbols and concepts developed uniquely and independently in Meso-America, China, and Egypt. As he persuasively argues, the mathematical concepts that arose and flourished in the ancient world enabled the creation of architectural masterpieces as well as the establishment of vast trade networks. Continuing the journey, Clawson brings us to the elegant logic of numbers that soon came to distinguish itself as a discipline and the language of science. From the concepts of infinity contemplated by the Greeks to the complex numbers that are indispensable to scientists on the cutting edge of research today, Clawson breathes life and meaning into the history of great mathematical mysteries and problems. In this spirit of inquiry, he explores, in their times and places, the discovery of numbers that lie outside the province of counting, including irrational numbers, transcendentals, complex numbers, and the enormous transfinite numbers. The personalities and the creative feats surrounding each mathematical invention come alive vividly in Clawson's lucid prose. In this work of breathtaking scope, Clawson guides us through the wonders of numbers and illustrates their monumental impact on civilization.

Genres: Mathematics, Science, Nonfiction, History

307 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1993

Reviews

[Apostolis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Εκτός από ένα-δύο κεφάλαια επέκτασης της έννοιας του απείρου, διαβάζεται εύκολα και από κάποιον μη σχετικό με το αντικείμενο. Κατά τα άλλα δεν είναι ένα στεγνό μαθηματικό εγχειρίδιο. Έχει όσες βιολογικές, ιστορικές, κοινωνιολογικές και φιλοσοφικές προεκτάσεις χρειάζεται ώστε να κυλάει ευχάριστα, ακόμα και για αυτόν που γνωρίζει τον βασικό κορμό των μαθηματικών ιδεών και την διαμόρφωσή τους κατά την ανθρώπινη ιστορία.

[sophia · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was really boring that i fell asleep like 3 times in one sitting but i can appreciate the effort

[Ishan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book because I am a math geek. It breaks down the history and development of various number systems. He takes you through the development of geometry, calculus, and the discussion of modern math. Made me wish my high school teacher taught us this way. Also provides historical events and significance to math. Then the book gets philosophical on math and what it means in relation to the world we see. It was fun.

[Jarrodtrainque]

A fascinating look at how mathematics has influenced human civilization and evolution throughout history./ Back in print at last, this classic work by Calvin Clawson examines the remarkable co-evolution of numbers and human culture. From the early clay beads and ropes that our ancestors used as primitive counting tools to the influence of fractals and complex number systems on chaos theory, The Mathematical Traveler takes us on a journey over continents and through time to discover how mathematics has become an integral part of our world. We stop at ancient Sumeria, China, Greece, Italy, and England, where we learn about the discovery of our current counting system, the golden mean, pi, irrational numbers, and other mathematical innovations. More than just an overview of the history of numbers, The Mathematical Traveler explores how the understanding of mathematics helped humanity to create the underpinnings of art, technology, economics, and science that shaped the world we live in today./

[DamGyu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book runs you through the history of math; starting from the first mankind to paradoxes. It doesn't only tells you about the academic side of math, but it also introduces you to the artistic, philosophic, and religious aspect of mathematics. The book does include complicated words and theories, but the author tries to make them more easier by adding diagrams and pictures.

[Michael Kotsarinis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is well researched and clearly written, presenting complex ideas in a very natural way. It can also double as reference for those who want a short and simple history of mathematics.The narrative is flowing butI wouldn 't call it grasping.

[Chirag Deswal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a joyous ride through the concept of counting and the extremes to which it extends. I loved Clawson's style and thoughts on what it means to truly 'count' our way through the Universe. A great read for personal exuberance.

[Sarah Clawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤

[Al Capwned · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mathematical history of mankind. It even simplifies mathematical concepts to make the whole thing more accessible to everyone.

[Sam Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! Such an insightful book with some well researched and presented ideas about how our minds were born.