The History of Mathematics: An Introduction

by David M. Burton

The History of An Introduction , Sixth Edition, is written for the one- or two-semester math history course taken by juniors or seniors, and covers the history behind the topics typically covered in an undergraduate math curriculum or in elementary schools or high schools. Elegantly written in David Burton’s imitable prose, this classic text provides rich historical context to the mathematics that undergrad math and math education majors encounter every day. Burton illuminates the people, stories, and social context behind mathematics’ greatest historical advances while maintaining appropriate focus on the mathematical concepts themselves. Its wealth of information, mathematical and historical accuracy, and renowned presentation make The History of An Introduction, Sixth Edition a valuable resource that teachers and students will want as part of a permanent library.

Genres: Mathematics, History, Reference, Science, Textbooks, Nonfiction, School

800 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jimyanni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not, I suppose, a good fit for everyone, but if the reader has any curiosity at all regarding the subject, this is an excellent look at the development of Mathematical thought from ancient times through the present. The only flaw I can find worth quibbling about is that at times, especially as the subjects being addressed approached the modern era, a certain level of familiarity with the material being discussed was assumed on the part of the reader, such that it was more than passing difficult to follow the discussion if one wasn't at least passably fluent with set theory, as just one example. Some of the terminology used in these cases without explanation was more than a touch impenetrable, and considering that the topics being discussed were topics that are rarely discussed until at least upper-level undergraduate courses and frequently beyond, it is not unreasonable to expect enough explanation to enable someone without much previous exposure to the concepts to at least understand what is being discussed; because there was not even that much explanation, I would not recommend the last couple of chapters to anyone without at least some graduate level math courses under their belt. Most of the book, though, did not suffer from this problem and was quite readable.

[Clay Horath]

Working my way through thus lovely tome for the fourth or fifth time. I love this book---working math in the style of those who developed the methods us awesome!!!

[Big Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely fucked w this textbook. Starts from the very origins of mathematics (markings on bones and hieroglyphics), to the great Greek mathematicians, etc all the way to modern mathematics. Very fascinating histories, and was cool to see the personal lives of so many famous mathematicians I otherwise knew nothing about.

Gonna sound crazy, but my only critique is I found the actual math pretty uninteresting. I'm sure it was the author's intention to include both, and I can respect the call. But I would have enjoyed this book more if it was purely a book of history.

Still a dope book. Glad I actually made myself read it for the class.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone interested in the history of science should try to get their hands on this book. It has been a go-to book for me for the last ten years. There is a lot of propaganda on the web today regarding the role of Islam and the East in the development of Western science and mathematics. My advice on this is to stick with mainstream scholarship on the subject. Islam and the East have certainly had a role to play but as you will find in the pages of this book, it is not nearly as prominent as it seems fashionable in some fringe circles to suppose.

[Chris Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a textbook, this is not a book for everyone. However, if you are "into" mathematics, and especially love the history of math, and history in general, you'll love it if you put forth the effort. It's full of interesting vignettes about how math evolved, set in the context of what was going on socio-politically at the time. The lives, hardships, and successes of all the world's greatest mathematicians are discussed. Really quite a fascinating book, in my opinion.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great course and a good book, though I didn't love the book I do think it is well done.