The Math Book: From Pythagoras to the 57th Dimension, 250 Milestones in the History of Mathematics - Hardcover

Clifford Pickover, prolific writer and undisputed polymath, has put together a marvelous reference work. Its 250 short entries provide a veritable history of mathematics by focusing on its greatest theorems and the geniuses who discovered them. Topics are chronological, starting with the calculating abilities of ants 150 million years B.C. and ending with Max Tegmark's recent conjecture that our universe is not just described by math, it is mathematics. Dr. Pickover's vast love of math, and his awe before its mysteries, permeates every page of this beautiful volume. The illustrations alone are worth the book's price." --Martin Gardner, author of The Colossal Book of Mathematics on http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/pickover/math-book.html

This is an accessible, fascinating book that unravels the mysteries and beauty of mathematics. It covers 250 milestones in mathematical history, from the magic squares from centuries ago to the discovery of pi. Each topic is lavishly illustrated and includes formulas and concepts, facts about scientists' lives and real-world applications of the theorem. Mathematics' infinite mysteries and beauty unfold in this fascinating book. Beginning millions of years ago with ancient 'ant odometers' and moving through time to our modern-day quest for new dimensions, it covers 250 milestones in mathematical history. Among the numerous delights readers will learn about in this inviting anthology include: cicada-generated prime numbers, magic squares from centuries ago, the discovery of pi and calculus and the butterfly effect. Each topic gets a lavishly illustrated spread with stunning colour art, along with formulas and concepts, fascinating facts about scientists' lives and real-world applications of the theorems.