This book is an extended history of mathematics that places mathematical development firmly in its historical context. Each section begins with a description of the geography and history of the country considered. From there, lively retelling of the creation myths and legends leads on to a description of how its people wrote and counted. This is followed by relevant mathematical material. The book covers; * The geometry of stone circles in
Europe * The area of triangles and volume of pyramids that concerned the engineers of the Pharoahs * The Babylonian sexagesimal number system and our
present measures of space and time which grew out of it * The use of the abacus and remainder theory in China * Greek mathematics from Pythagoras to Pappus. Detailed accounts of the work of apollonius and Archimedes are given. * The invention of trigonometry by Arab mathematicians * The solution of quadratic equations by completing the square developed in India Each chapter has
a mathematical case study which is discussed both in the context of thetimes and in th light of more recent developments. Worked examples are also included. "The author has
woven together a broad historical backgrounding and some fairly detailed but accessible mathematics in amost exciting way." John Fauvel, author of Let Newton Be!
Industry Reviews
`Alistair Wilson has the admirable aim of popularising mathematics through its history... he makes his points well in a clear and stimulating style.' New Scientist, 4 November 1995
`The author has woven together a broad historical backgrounding and some fairly detailed but accessible mathematics in a most exciting way.' John Fauvel, author of Let Newton Be!
...both readable and unusual... The book has many virtues. The technique of introducing an interesting piece of mathematics by means of a historical tale works rather well.... I'm inclined to characterise this book as one that will help people who are attracted to mathematics get to grips with history, rather than one that will help people who are attracted to history get to grips with mathematics - but whichever it is, it is a brave and largely successful
attempt to weave both subjects together in an entertaining and informative manner. s
`one of the most lively and entertaining histories of mathematics that I have come across.It is ideal for those with mathematics phobia, for the author's nimble and gentle touch is sure to allay even the fears of congential haters of mathematics.'
Endeavour
`A book to be read and enjoyed ...'
Aslib Book Guide, vol.61, no.9, September 1996.
`The clear, vivid style will attract readers.'
E Knobloch, Zbl. Math, 847/96.
