Mathematics: From the Birth of Numbers

Gullberg, Jan

ISBN 10: 039304002X / ISBN 13: 9780393040029

Published by W. W. Norton & Company, 1997

Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G039304002XI3N01

Synopsis:

This extraordinary work takes the reader on a long and fascinating journey--from the dual invention of numbers and language, through the major realms of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, to the final destination of differential equations, with excursions into mathematical logic, set theory, topology, fractals, probability, and assorted other mathematical byways. The book is unique among popular books on mathematics in combining an engaging, easy-to-read history of the subject with a comprehensive mathematical survey text. Intended, in the author's words, "for the benefit of those who never studied the subject, those who think they have forgotten what they once learned, or those with a sincere desire for more knowledge," it links mathematics to the humanities, linguistics, the natural sciences, and technology. Contains more than 1000 original technical illustrations, a multitude of reproductions from mathematical classics and other relevant works, and a generous sprinkling of humorous asides, ranging from limericks and tall stories to cartoons and decorative drawings.

About the Authors: Jan Gullberg (1936―1998) was a practicing general surgeon. A native of Sweden, he was well known there for his writings on various scientific and medical topics.

Peter Hilton was a British mathematician, noted for his contributions to homotopy theory and for code-breaking during the Second World War.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Mathematics: From the Birth of Numbers
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Publication Date: 1997
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket