Why Pi?

by Johnny Ball

If you think numbers are boring, think again! Imagine the world without What time is it? Are we nearly there yet? How big do you want it? Why Pi? takes readers through a mesmerizing, historical number journey, from the ancient civilizations that used numbers as simple measurement, through the Renaissance period with the conquering of the seas and mapping of the world, the Industrial Revolution, and all the way on to Einstein's theory of relativity and discovering space. Numbers are eternal and have been a crucial element in human history. From sailing the seven seas to journeying deep below the waves and up through the atmosphere, it's all about numbers. Discover how simple modern-day things are all about measurement and see how the future will be shaped by numbers as we travel farther into space.Numbers aren't just about sums and calculations, and there is no one better at illustrating this than the ingenious Johnny Ball as he demonstrates just how essential math is to our everyday world. Why Pi? examines how numbers have allowed explorers, engineers, and scientists to explore, build, and discover."[An] extensive look at the history of measurement." - BooklistTeachers' Choice Award Winner

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2016

About the author

Johnny Ball is the host of Think of a Number, Think Again (BBC), and Johnny Ball Reveals All (ITV). His shows and videos have won 12 awards, including a New York International Emmy nomination, the ITV "Presenter of the Year" Craft Award, and a BAFTA.