The Story of Mathematics

by Lloyd Motz, Jefferson Hane Weaver, Various

Ever since early man first began counting on his fingers and toes, one of our greatest desires has been to order our world through numbers. Now the authors of The Story of Physics present a sweeping narrative that traces the history of mathematics from ancient Greece to modern calculus to the superhighways of today's computer communications. Absorbing and accessible, The Story of Mathematics introduces us to Euclid, to the mystical teachings of Pythagoras, to Descartes' discovery of analytic geometry, and to later geniuses such as Newton, Gauss, Euler, and Einstein. The authors delve into the intriguing theory of numbers, explore the challanges of probability theory, and reveal the wonders of the theory of relativity. They discuss the link between physics and mathematics, and how together they form a tapestry of knowledge that surpasses what either field could accomplish alone. The Story of Mathematics will leave readers awed by the courage and genius of history's mathematicians, and by what still remains to be accomplished by a new generation of brilliant minds.

Genres: History, Mathematics

356 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 1993

Reviews

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do we have maths? Why calculus? Why did it come about? Who came up with it? And what of trigonometry? Algebra? And even abstract maths? This is a wonderfully vivid primer that helps the reader work toward a greater understanding of what many call the "perfect" language. Come to greater understanding and obtain insight into part of our human history that is all too often overlooked.

[Vanessa Wester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow... this is some book!

Extremely detailed and a must read for anyone pursuing a career in mathematics.

Personally, I think it is useful to have read about world history alongside this to put the discoveries and accomplishments into perspective. The author also refers to many "simple" mathematical facts in a way which would leave the average person in a spin! Nothing is simple in this book...

I do find it inspirational that many great mathematicians came from humble backgrounds. It seems hardship really does make us strive to exceed especially when you have the mind of a genius!

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shame on me; I didn't read the fine print. I thought the 'Story' part would tell me more about how various forms of math came to be and the circumstances of their use or those who first used them. This was more of a glorified text book with a few notes thrown in here and there. To their credit, the two authors are very enthusiastic about their subject matter and are obviously in full command of the material in question.

[Shreyas · Rating 3 out of 5]

trying to re-ignite my long-lost love for Math; engrossing alright - almost like Bill Bryson's ASHONE for Math

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm ashamed to say I didn't finish this book. There may be other histories of mathematics that are easier for a non-mathematician to read. I haven't given up; just given in to other priorities.