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Mathematics 1001: Absolutely Everything That Matters About Mathematics in 1001 Bite-Sized Explanations
A comprehensive study of math principles in one volume for the general reader This practical reference provides clear and concise explanations of the most fascinating fundamental mathematical concepts Distilled into 1001 mini-essays arranged thematically, this unique book moves steadily from the basics through to the most advanced areas of math, making it the ideal guide for both the beginner and the math wiz The book covers all of the fundamental mathematical
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 14, 2010
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399 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 3, 2014
Popular books on mathematics tend to cover the same ground, highlighting a few easily explicated examples (Fibonacci's rabbits, Pascal's triangle, Hilbert's hotel) rather than trying to illuminate the whole landscape. Elwes has set out instead to create a concise layman's encyclopedia of mathematics, addressing each topic in clear language and including extensive cross-references to situate it in the larger picture. The result is an accessible, absorbing introduction to the discipline, touching on number theory, geometry, algebra, discrete math, analysis, logic, metamathematics, probability, mathematical physics, and some recreational math. The whole can be read straight through or consulted as a reference. One of the best "nonmathematical" surveys of math that I've seen.
March 13, 2012
If you enjoy this book, definitely check out the
Princeton Companion to Mathematics
, which is similarly wide-ranging but has a more structured approach, and deeper/longer entries authored by mathematicians specializing in the topics at hand.
May 12, 2011
Può avere senso parlare di matematica dividendola in mille e una scheda da dieci-quindici righe, massimo venti? La risposta sorprendentemente è sì, come si può vedere da questo libro, la cui versione statunitense ha come titolo "Mathematics 1001" (ah, l'inglese!) Elwes parla di tanta matematica, arrivando alla teoria delle categorie e alla fisica matematica; l'approccio matematico alla meccanica quantistica è molto interessante. Non tutto è perfetto, ci mancherebbe altro. Chiaramente non ci sono dimostrazioni, ma solo enunciati; c'è poi una certa ridondanza che però è necessaria, visto che credo che siano in pochi i pazzi come me che se lo siano letti da cima a fondo; e soprattutto i riferimenti agli altri punti sono sì visibili perché scritti in grassetto ma ben difficili da trovare se non andando nell'indice analitico finale in corpo 5 o giù di lì. Ma ritengo che il testo, nemmeno troppo caro, sia ottimo per chi voglia avere un manuale di riferimento (e sappia l'inglese). Curiosità finale: il libro è stato stampato... in Cina. Non pensavo convenisse fare così.
July 16, 2020
This book is an excellent introduction to mathematical ideas and techniques. While it doesn't go too deeply into any one subject, it is quite broad in scope. The book is meant for the layman, and as such it doesn't contain too many unexplained symbols.
January 21, 2024
Originally when I retired I thought I would resurrect my love for mathematics, my major in college.
This book reintroduced me to many topics that I loved, and once again showed how my love of real analysis likely would have been the subject of a thesis if I had gone further in grad school. The number theory stuff is interesting, as are fields, rings, topology, complex analysis, and some of the higher level theorems are still just that - higher level than what I could attain.
I have purchased a couple of texts for recreational mathematics, and need to give them a more serious try. Indeed, restretching my brain and its deductive reasoning -
This book reintroduced me to many topics that I loved, and once again showed how my love of real analysis likely would have been the subject of a thesis if I had gone further in grad school. The number theory stuff is interesting, as are fields, rings, topology, complex analysis, and some of the higher level theorems are still just that - higher level than what I could attain.
I have purchased a couple of texts for recreational mathematics, and need to give them a more serious try. Indeed, restretching my brain and its deductive reasoning -
October 21, 2018
The best book of math! Covers everything from Pythagoras to calculus. So good, I had to permanently commandeer it from my library... don't worry, I gave it back as soon as my Amazon order of this book arrived.
April 20, 2011
This is probably the most comprehensive book on mathematics for the well-educated lay person that I have ever read. In fact, I would recommend this book as a way to refresh one's recollection of basic mathematics, geometry, algebra, trig, and calculus. It isn't a substitute for solving problems, but it is the only book that I know that explains number theory and calculus and advanced topics in a manner accessible to a layperson. For example, the author discusses matrices, manifolds and group theory simply enough for a reader to understand the concept that space-time is a lie group.
The book is an absolutely fascinating read. It delves into obscure topics like iterated powers (2 to the second power raised to the second power raised to the second power) and very large numbers like TREE 3.
Although you can skip around topics, I found it beneficial to read the book cover to cover, since he explains and then builds upon concepts.
For easier topics like algebra and calculus, he develops and explains the mathematical logic using very well explained proofs using symbols, graphs and plain english. For more advanced topics, he does informal proofs without too many confusing mathematical symbols. Sometimes very advanced and cutting edge topics are only described, and the math is left out, which is frustrating...
Even though this is a five star book, there are some flaws. The book has a very nice synopsis of physics based math, but does short shrift to other sciences, like biology and chemistry. And topics in the humanities and economics are almost completely ignored, except for a brief explanation of game theory. If these practical math chapters were better fleshed out, the book would be even more amazing. It would be nice if there would have been a CD with some extra content...if ever a book could use a pocket part, it would be this one!
The book is an absolutely fascinating read. It delves into obscure topics like iterated powers (2 to the second power raised to the second power raised to the second power) and very large numbers like TREE 3.
Although you can skip around topics, I found it beneficial to read the book cover to cover, since he explains and then builds upon concepts.
For easier topics like algebra and calculus, he develops and explains the mathematical logic using very well explained proofs using symbols, graphs and plain english. For more advanced topics, he does informal proofs without too many confusing mathematical symbols. Sometimes very advanced and cutting edge topics are only described, and the math is left out, which is frustrating...
Even though this is a five star book, there are some flaws. The book has a very nice synopsis of physics based math, but does short shrift to other sciences, like biology and chemistry. And topics in the humanities and economics are almost completely ignored, except for a brief explanation of game theory. If these practical math chapters were better fleshed out, the book would be even more amazing. It would be nice if there would have been a CD with some extra content...if ever a book could use a pocket part, it would be this one!
March 6, 2012
Checked this out of the library and flipped through it. Seriously considering purchasing a copy so I can read it cover to cover and then just to have around as reference. The writing style is concise without being dry, and does indeed seem to very comprehensively cover everything the matters in Mathematics. This is a good book to whet the mental appetite before hitting the Internet buffet for the feast.
I got caught up for a bit with a couple of neat concepts I'd never heard of before: Ramsey Theory and Golomb Rulers. I'm sure there's plenty of other fun discoveries as well.
It would make a great iPad app!
I got caught up for a bit with a couple of neat concepts I'd never heard of before: Ramsey Theory and Golomb Rulers. I'm sure there's plenty of other fun discoveries as well.
It would make a great iPad app!
June 6, 2011
This is essentially a reference book to revive memories of what you have forgotten. Its great for this function, plus you can delve deeper into things you want to study further by referencing the internet.
I needed to revise my Calculus, and solid geometry. More than satisfied my needs plus found other interesting stuff just browsing.
This shall always be a good reference book for me, especially since I ended my formal maths education in 1968. Did do several refresher courses, but mainly to address shortcomings in inferential statistics.
I needed to revise my Calculus, and solid geometry. More than satisfied my needs plus found other interesting stuff just browsing.
This shall always be a good reference book for me, especially since I ended my formal maths education in 1968. Did do several refresher courses, but mainly to address shortcomings in inferential statistics.
March 24, 2013
It's not that anyone will believe me, but this was an interesting and fun read. I say this as someone who doesn't have a math degree or a career in a related discipline (statisticians, for example). There's a very well-balanced combination of history of mathematical thought and explanation of concepts that I wasn't expecting the author to be able to hit. It reads well straight through, and some entries build on those immediately preceding them. I'd like a copy to keep around as a reference, but it would be more for curiosity than use.
September 22, 2016
An brief slice of many different facets of Mathematics. At times the math got beyond me (In the Anaylsis section) but overall it explained the concepts well with plenty of helpful annecdotes and examples.
I'd recommend it if you stopped learning Math in your late teens but are curious about the multiple different subsets of it or are looking to get back into it and want a good overview, however it doesn't provide itself as a good a reference guide or as a better alternative to some excellent online sources, but provides a good idea of exactly what Mathematics is all in one place.
I'd recommend it if you stopped learning Math in your late teens but are curious about the multiple different subsets of it or are looking to get back into it and want a good overview, however it doesn't provide itself as a good a reference guide or as a better alternative to some excellent online sources, but provides a good idea of exactly what Mathematics is all in one place.
April 3, 2011
To say I've completely "read" is it not exactly true. I still hope to purchase my own copy and really sit down and work through the book cover to cover... all zillion pages of it!
The only downside to this book is a lack of hands-on practice available to actually work-as-you-learn, but that is not something the author intended to add. Just something I would have liked to see. An accompanying workbook would be a great addition!!
The only downside to this book is a lack of hands-on practice available to actually work-as-you-learn, but that is not something the author intended to add. Just something I would have liked to see. An accompanying workbook would be a great addition!!
July 28, 2016
I love this book! I haven't actually made it all the way through yet, but I must return it to the library and am seriously considering buying my own copy.
I loved Math in college, but only studied as much as I needed for my engineering studies. I've learned so many cool facts and tricks in this book that it's made me love Math again!!
I loved Math in college, but only studied as much as I needed for my engineering studies. I've learned so many cool facts and tricks in this book that it's made me love Math again!!
June 24, 2014
Surprisingly readable. You don't get many books that try to cover this much territory.
Some oddities in notation is the only quibble I have.
And yeah, you need to have at least a passing interest in math--although you can jump around and pick what interests you.
Some oddities in notation is the only quibble I have.
And yeah, you need to have at least a passing interest in math--although you can jump around and pick what interests you.
May 31, 2011
This is great except I hate the layout. Doesn't include Grassman numbers and anti-comutative.
August 14, 2014
Covered a diverse range of mathematics. However, some sections were not well explained.
July 10, 2018
this was a gift from my teacher, but i dont seem to be able to understand things after the early 10% of the book, but yeah it has interesting contents
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews