Infinity: Beyond the Beyond the Beyond by Lillian Lieber

by Lillian R. Lieber

The main focus of the book is on how mathematicians have studied the notion of infinity. Lieber starts with a discussion of "potential infinity," including the "points at infinity" of projective geometry, then launches into her real Cantor's theory of infinite sets. The story proceeds on familiar paths for a while, but then goes on to discuss topics that aren't usually included in books like Cantor's transfinite ordinals, for example, and Russell's paradox and its resolution.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, Science, Womens

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Lindsey]

What I read of this book, I enjoyed. I was not able to finish it before it was due back to the library, though. I hope to try again sometime.

I would not call myself a mathematical thinker, and I struggled with math in high school. Now I realize that I sort of "bought" the notion that I'm "not a math person." This book seems to be written to help adults like me look at math concepts in a simple and creative manner, and helped me believe that I can actually learn these concepts. It is a hopeful notion!

[Jeff]

I like the style. It accomplishes it's purpose well, to make us think and ponder a matter to get the sense of it. I believe it is a book written by a true educator, a person interested in helping others to learn a subject while not being pained by it. It is a fun book, a thinkers book in my opinion.
My edition is the 1953 Hardcover.

[Hope]

I didn't follow all the math. I did love the writing style and the author's enthusiastic outlook :)

[Hanna Abi Akl]

A glowing encapsulation of mathematical concepts that come to life in this brimming read.

[Mykyta Kuzmenko]

Супер. Жаль только оригинальную книгу в этом издании урезали и явно видно что несколько глав выпали, но что есть пояснено очень хорошо. Ну и время не стоит на месте судя по всему по ряду открытых вопросов в книге уже есть ответы.