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The Little Book of Mathematical Principles, Theories, & Things
Publisher: The Little Book of Mathematical Principles, Theories, & Things, explains over 120 laws, principles, equations, paradoxes and theorems that are the foundation of modern mathematics. Making serious math simple, it explains Fibonacci numbers, Zeno’s paradoxes and Euclid’s Elements, as well as those essentials such as chaos theory, game theory and, of course, the game of life.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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572 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 7, 2013
If you are looking for a book of math history that does not go too deep into any particular topic then this is a decent book. It is more math trivia then a book about learning math topics. For the price it makes for a great bathroom reader.
October 9, 2017
This little book lives up to its title; it lists principles, theories and things and little else. It mainly follows this pattern: state principle, who discovered/invented/found it, how it's used. Not how it was founded or how it works. The logarithms section is a prime example: no mention of how they were developed, just that they were and are used to some extent today. If you want a basic review of math trivia, this is it. If you want a review of a math history, this is it. If you want a basic understanding of math functions, this is not it. 2 stars = OK
August 5, 2022
Cute little book, great for persons who want to learn about the evolution of mathematics with concepts, ideas, and interesting facts about formulas and mathematicians. Definitely not a hard book – I think everyone who lacks an overall understanding of math should read it (covers concepts from the old arithmetic and trigonometry developed in Egypt to the modern NP-completeness problem in computer science).
August 19, 2015
I accidentally stumbled on this book in the store. At first glance I thought it would be a great book to teach my young son about some of the mathematical principles, but this book is so much more. The book has theories, functions, principles, but more so, it has historical origin of some of those solutions and how they were derived. I thought it was an amazing piece of literature to have in the household, but then realized it is even more. My daughter's boyfriend is a math guru. He read and reads very advanced mathematical books and when I presented him with his own copy of this little gem, he found it to be a great addition to his library of books on the topic. Overall, I highly recommend it to anyone at any level. It is a must have.
February 21, 2014
The little book of mathematical principles, theories, and things is a great book, it explains over 120 laws, principles, equations, paradoxes and theorems. The book explains all sorts of aspects of mathematics with plain simple language, to the point where you don't have to be a mathematician to understand the range of topics.
The book starts from simple ancient principles and theorems, and moves you through a journey of vast mathematical theorems to the mathematical presence of modern times. The book also is not a reference book which allows you to be able to read the book from cover to cover.
In conclusion his book is great for all mathematicians or not. It's not a reference book and explains all aspects of the book with amazing clearness.
The book starts from simple ancient principles and theorems, and moves you through a journey of vast mathematical theorems to the mathematical presence of modern times. The book also is not a reference book which allows you to be able to read the book from cover to cover.
In conclusion his book is great for all mathematicians or not. It's not a reference book and explains all aspects of the book with amazing clearness.
February 21, 2025
I’ll admit upfront: I’m terrible at math. Struggling with multiplication tables gives you a sense of just how bad I am. Yet, I’m oddly fascinated by it. Theorems, unsolved problems, and epic mathematical discoveries? I find them endlessly entertaining—like a window into a world I’ll never master but love to explore.
This book feels tailor-made for someone like me. It’s like flipping through a recipe book by master chefs: I’m awestruck by the brilliance, but even with step-by-step instructions, I’d never pull off the same magic. The chapters are short, digestible, and roughly chronological, with each one neatly framing the context—key figures, past assumptions, and why the discovery matters, then or now.
If you’re even mildly curious about the history of math, this is a fantastic read.
This book feels tailor-made for someone like me. It’s like flipping through a recipe book by master chefs: I’m awestruck by the brilliance, but even with step-by-step instructions, I’d never pull off the same magic. The chapters are short, digestible, and roughly chronological, with each one neatly framing the context—key figures, past assumptions, and why the discovery matters, then or now.
If you’re even mildly curious about the history of math, this is a fantastic read.
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March 4, 2018This book is about many mathematical topics, basic topics such as geometry and algebra, but it branches out into more complicated topics like trigonometry. There are also sections of mathematical theories and tricks for problem solving. Each topics is about 1-3 pages long, and gives a short but detailed description of the topic, where it originated from, when it was discovered, and the person who discovered it. It can really help people out if they want a simple description of a mathematical topic.
I think the author did a nice job of organizing so many topics into a small book, while giving a detailed description of each topic. I liked this book because it helped broaden my understanding of mathematics, which I guess is cool. It was also simple to read, which I liked because I'm not a huge of fan of reading books. My suggestion is, if you like math and you want a simple read, this is the perfect book for you.
I think the author did a nice job of organizing so many topics into a small book, while giving a detailed description of each topic. I liked this book because it helped broaden my understanding of mathematics, which I guess is cool. It was also simple to read, which I liked because I'm not a huge of fan of reading books. My suggestion is, if you like math and you want a simple read, this is the perfect book for you.
November 3, 2019
The best book for newcomers in mathematics to know a glimpse of the topics of mathematical interests
August 21, 2025
This is a charming mini dictionary of mathematical ideas and concepts. Presenting its content in short sections, grouped in a broadly historical format, the book works its way through number theory, geometry, trigonometry, algebra…, and so very much more.
Whether it be ‘perfect numbers,’ ‘irrational numbers,’ ‘square numbers’ (etc) the book provides a short summary of each concept, linked to where it occurs in the historical timeline.
The book even tries to cover a range of different cultures and milieus. A quote from (African) St Augustine illustrates the idea of perfect numbers. Ancient Greek (Delian) altars illustrate problems in the concept of doubling. The Arabic book of Shifting and Balancing explains where the word ‘algebra’ came from. And the issues and characters mentioned run right into the modern era.
While the fact that it only takes about 5 minutes to read each (short) chapter is a positive feature of the book, it is also occasionally a bit frustrating. For example, the chapters on ‘zero’ and on ‘negative numbers’ provided useful quick introductions to the concepts. But, historically, both ideas were highly controversial for a range of religious, cultural and pragmatic reasons. Unsurprisingly Greek philosophers who struggled with the ideas of ‘vacuums’ and of ‘creation out of nothing,’ really struggled with the idea of the nothingness of zero. It would have been good to hear a little more about how cultural issues like that impacted upon the reception of mathematical ideas.
One minor disappointment with the book was that the kindle edition which I read had no chapter numbers. It was all very well having a (long) list of very short chapters, but it is actually quite useful at times, being able to refer to a specific numbered chapter, especially when trying to find something.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read which is accessible to readers from any background, regardless of prior mathematical skills or abilities. Its brevity means that the book is unlikely to be particularly informative to students of mathematics, but more general readers who have perhaps not pursued mathematics at higher levels, will undoubtedly find nuggets of math-lore that they may not have encountered previously.
Whether it be ‘perfect numbers,’ ‘irrational numbers,’ ‘square numbers’ (etc) the book provides a short summary of each concept, linked to where it occurs in the historical timeline.
The book even tries to cover a range of different cultures and milieus. A quote from (African) St Augustine illustrates the idea of perfect numbers. Ancient Greek (Delian) altars illustrate problems in the concept of doubling. The Arabic book of Shifting and Balancing explains where the word ‘algebra’ came from. And the issues and characters mentioned run right into the modern era.
While the fact that it only takes about 5 minutes to read each (short) chapter is a positive feature of the book, it is also occasionally a bit frustrating. For example, the chapters on ‘zero’ and on ‘negative numbers’ provided useful quick introductions to the concepts. But, historically, both ideas were highly controversial for a range of religious, cultural and pragmatic reasons. Unsurprisingly Greek philosophers who struggled with the ideas of ‘vacuums’ and of ‘creation out of nothing,’ really struggled with the idea of the nothingness of zero. It would have been good to hear a little more about how cultural issues like that impacted upon the reception of mathematical ideas.
One minor disappointment with the book was that the kindle edition which I read had no chapter numbers. It was all very well having a (long) list of very short chapters, but it is actually quite useful at times, being able to refer to a specific numbered chapter, especially when trying to find something.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read which is accessible to readers from any background, regardless of prior mathematical skills or abilities. Its brevity means that the book is unlikely to be particularly informative to students of mathematics, but more general readers who have perhaps not pursued mathematics at higher levels, will undoubtedly find nuggets of math-lore that they may not have encountered previously.
March 9, 2023
"The Little Book of Mathematical Principles, Theories, & Things" takes its readers on a journey through the history of mathematics, exploring its fundamental principles, theories, and concepts.
In many ways, reading this book is like embarking on a journey through the solar system, passing by planets and stars without stopping to explore their origins or compositions. The book touches on a variety of mathematical topics and provides small snippets of interesting facts about important figures in the history of mathematics.
Each chapter is concise and informative, offering readers a glimpse into the fascinating world of mathematics. However, the brevity of each chapter leaves room for further exploration, requiring readers to seek additional information from other sources if they wish to delve deeper.
In conclusion, "The Little Book of Mathematical Principles, Theories, & Things" is a great starting point for anyone interested in mathematics. It provides a basic understanding of various mathematical concepts and serves as an excellent foundation for further exploration. Like a spacecraft passing by celestial bodies, it offers a brief but intriguing glimpse into the world of mathematics.
In many ways, reading this book is like embarking on a journey through the solar system, passing by planets and stars without stopping to explore their origins or compositions. The book touches on a variety of mathematical topics and provides small snippets of interesting facts about important figures in the history of mathematics.
Each chapter is concise and informative, offering readers a glimpse into the fascinating world of mathematics. However, the brevity of each chapter leaves room for further exploration, requiring readers to seek additional information from other sources if they wish to delve deeper.
In conclusion, "The Little Book of Mathematical Principles, Theories, & Things" is a great starting point for anyone interested in mathematics. It provides a basic understanding of various mathematical concepts and serves as an excellent foundation for further exploration. Like a spacecraft passing by celestial bodies, it offers a brief but intriguing glimpse into the world of mathematics.
September 13, 2023
This is a great reference for all of the great mathematical concepts you may or may not have ever heard about or known you have any interest in. And they are all shared in easy to understand snippets laid out in historical context and with a clear explanation of some easily relatable modern applications.
If you don’t need a reference book of mathematics, read it anyway. You don’t have to understand the equations or even pay attention to the notations. And the author puts it all in the context of the world we live in. (Mathematics is at the heart of what you are doing right now.)
Few people do understand the real place of mathematics in the modern world. It’s behind almost everything we do – computers, navigation, astronomy, etc. But it’s not all-inclusive. Not all mathematical problems have even been solved. Some never will be. And while we think of mathematics as being very precise, it often isn’t. It may simply give us answers that are close enough for the questions we need to be answered.
Mathematics is just another facet of science, reason, and philosophy. It’s at the heart of all of the technology that now manages our lives. It seems prudent, therefore, to have at least a superficial understanding of what it is and isn’t, and how it came to be.
If you don’t need a reference book of mathematics, read it anyway. You don’t have to understand the equations or even pay attention to the notations. And the author puts it all in the context of the world we live in. (Mathematics is at the heart of what you are doing right now.)
Few people do understand the real place of mathematics in the modern world. It’s behind almost everything we do – computers, navigation, astronomy, etc. But it’s not all-inclusive. Not all mathematical problems have even been solved. Some never will be. And while we think of mathematics as being very precise, it often isn’t. It may simply give us answers that are close enough for the questions we need to be answered.
Mathematics is just another facet of science, reason, and philosophy. It’s at the heart of all of the technology that now manages our lives. It seems prudent, therefore, to have at least a superficial understanding of what it is and isn’t, and how it came to be.
August 18, 2023
I think the good gives a good overview of some important topics in mathematics and they are briefly explained without going deeper into technical details. However that’s precisely what I feel it lacks: more detail. It was intended for the general reader and that’s ok but some of the explanations are not complete and leave important notes or relevant remarks aside. At the end, it’s a good compendium for the general reader if he/she is not too into those math topics.
September 29, 2023
Has a pretty wide selection of problems throughout history, respective solutions, and relevant references. Most of the entries are 1-2 pages, so it’s great for a very general overview of the topic without going into too much detail. There were a couple spots where something was referenced and got my attention, but provided no information. “A solution has since been found.” Period. I would’ve liked references or at least where to look for the references. Overall cool little book though.
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December 6, 2023The Pythagoreans, a religious, mystical and scientific sect of ancient Italy (6th Century AD) had this slogan : All things are numbers .
But then “irrational numbers “ came long and gave that axiom a good shake up.
This is a simple book that is wonderful summary of common and also complex numerical math
models, history and historical terms that we commonly use but ( at least for myself ) don’t know the implications behind .
But then “irrational numbers “ came long and gave that axiom a good shake up.
This is a simple book that is wonderful summary of common and also complex numerical math
models, history and historical terms that we commonly use but ( at least for myself ) don’t know the implications behind .
Read
October 13, 2024I liked this book on Mathematics. It is useful for me as a tutor of students who are learning early and intermediate mathematics. It gives me some insight to the history of mathematics that I have never learned or have forgotten. I will use it to help students in their mathematics work. Quite often I wish to give them some background to the maths instead of drilling them the mechanics of finding the solution to math problems. This book provides me material to do that.
November 16, 2024
Many of the reviews refer to the book as 'math trivia'. That seems pretty on point. The book gracefully glid from the things I already knew to things I sort of knew to things I didn't know to things I didn't understand. It spends just enough type to explain the basics of what each concept is, maybe a little history, sometimes why it's important, or how it's used today. Sort of a Maths Greatest Hits.
January 3, 2025
Interesting math for non-math people to ponder
I enjoy various types of learning whether they're my specialty or not. It's interesting to see problems weighed by great mathematicians and how most were eventually solved. I doubt there's much practical use for non STEM types except it never hurts to wade into new areas and learn new things. Well written in a way that non mathematicians can grasp, it's worth the effort.
I enjoy various types of learning whether they're my specialty or not. It's interesting to see problems weighed by great mathematicians and how most were eventually solved. I doubt there's much practical use for non STEM types except it never hurts to wade into new areas and learn new things. Well written in a way that non mathematicians can grasp, it's worth the effort.
January 2, 2021
3 1/2 stars. I good introduction to various topics in math, all written to be understandable without any prior math knowledge except (occasionally) previous chapters in the book.
He doesn't go into as much detail as I would sometimes like, so you won't really learn much actual math here, but it'd be a great resource for discovering new topics you might wish to know more about.
He doesn't go into as much detail as I would sometimes like, so you won't really learn much actual math here, but it'd be a great resource for discovering new topics you might wish to know more about.
January 16, 2021
It's an alright, albeit incomplete, book of math trivia. On the back, it was classified "Reference" which I would disagree with as this isn't very good if you would like to look up something specific for more information other than the when, where, and who details. Those who find math interesting would like the book for entertainment value but not find it useful.
December 4, 2022
A nice jaunt through mathematical history that is concise and basically correct (that is, given its impressively short descriptions, it gets across both the major idea and some of the caveats). This is a great achievement and it also serves as a nice way of seeing the breadth of mathematics that has been proven since antiquity. Expect short, concise summaries, and not proofs.
September 25, 2024
too scattered to be useful
There are about a hundred chapters, each covering a topic. Each chapter is a couple of pages long. So much to short to go into a problem in any depth. If you know the topic, you will learn nothing. If you don’t, unfortunately you will learn nothing either…
There are about a hundred chapters, each covering a topic. Each chapter is a couple of pages long. So much to short to go into a problem in any depth. If you know the topic, you will learn nothing. If you don’t, unfortunately you will learn nothing either…
November 22, 2024
frustratingly incomplete
Two or three pages on about 50 topics, with the explanations of the more complex matter truncated or missing altogether. Would have been more interesting if the author had explained the actual mathematics in simple clear terms, instead of just minimal context and no explanation.
Two or three pages on about 50 topics, with the explanations of the more complex matter truncated or missing altogether. Would have been more interesting if the author had explained the actual mathematics in simple clear terms, instead of just minimal context and no explanation.
July 9, 2022
Brief snippets outlining major developments in mathematics from ancient times to present. Helpful for understanding the focus of mathematicians at different points in history but not for actually understanding the problems/theorems being discussed.
January 14, 2023
This is a readable math history. The book traces through the development of mathematics and the problems that led to different branches of mathematics. The author blends pure and applied mathematics in clear, concise language.
September 4, 2024
Fascinating
The chronological arrangement leads to astonishing insights. Pythagoras did not know 0. Negative numbers existed before zero. “All Spartans are liars,” said the Spartan and laughed himself to death from the paradox he created.
The chronological arrangement leads to astonishing insights. Pythagoras did not know 0. Negative numbers existed before zero. “All Spartans are liars,” said the Spartan and laughed himself to death from the paradox he created.
February 14, 2025
As I am in the process of brushing up on my math skills--working on learning the basics of calculus and re-learning some other, prerequisite concepts--this book served as a fun, detailed (yet simple to read through) introduction to many of the key problems, discoveries, and wonders of mathematics.
August 5, 2022
I LIKE IT 💕💕💕
April 14, 2023
Awesome journey through mathematical history!
September 14, 2024
Me + Book = 😉
I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this book and I plan on going back and reviewing some of the topics. Cool.
I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this book and I plan on going back and reviewing some of the topics. Cool.
October 21, 2024
Math is cool
Very interesting little book of math concepts and math history great for those who actually get it and for those trying to work through their math anxiety.
Very interesting little book of math concepts and math history great for those who actually get it and for those trying to work through their math anxiety.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews