Description
Book SynopsisAn anthology that gathers together nearly one hundred selections from the past 500 years of popular math writing. Ranging from the late fifteenth to the late twentieth century, and drawing from books, newspapers, magazines, and websites, it includes recreational, classroom, and work mathematics; mathematical histories and biographies; and, more.
Trade Review"One of the pleasures of this book is reading the texts in the language of the day... The collection as a whole provides the general reader with a history of mathematics, biographical and otherwise, through popular writing. Because the writing was aimed at general readers of its time, it is usually accessible to the average mathematical reader of our time. The book would be an excellent reference for teachers of mathematics and for those researching the history of the dissemination of mathematical ideas."--Carol Dorf, American Scientist "[F]or the enthusiast for the history of popular maths writing this is a must-have book."--Brian Clegg, Popular Science "In A Wealth of Numbers, we have the end product of what must have been a lot of challenging research... This book works well for random browsing as well as for sustained reading; purely recreational essays and puzzle problems are well-mixed with more serious topics such as an article explaining Cantor's diagonalization proof and 'Cubic equations for the practical man.' There's something in here for everyone, and it's a great contribution to the mathematics literature to have it all in one place."--Mark Bollman, MAA Reviews "Wardhaugh provides an exciting addition to mathematics anthologies... The physical format is very reader-friendly, with especially good line spacing and margins. The book is valuable for all libraries supporting undergraduate and graduate study, as well as many public libraries. Faculty should consider this as a source of comprehensible readings for aspiring mathematics majors. Individuals interested in math history will want a copy for their personal libraries."--Choice "The Wardhaugh book is a welcome addition to anthologies that have preceded it... Although written for the general reader who is interested in mathematics, the collection is apropos for those who are more mathematically oriented as well... [T]his well-thought-out, eclectic collection will provide hours of enjoyable reading."--Jim Tattersall, CSHPM "Fascinating to browse, a delight to read, and informative... Get this book! It is as much fun to read as it is to share with others, especially students who can gain from doses of past mathematical realities."--Jerry Johnson, Mathematics Teacher "This book permits the reader to pick it up whenever he or she has a few minutes (or longer) to spare, and find a section to fit the available free time and mood. It will provide the reader, novice and expert alike, many hours of learning filled with surprise, pleasure, amazement, and sometimes laughter."--Godfried Toussaint, Zentralblatt MATH "A Wealth of Numbers explores the often overlooked history of popular mathematics in an easy to read and captivating manner. I recommend the book, not only as an excellent research text in this area of mathematics, but as an interesting and entertaining read."--Steve Humble, Mathematics Today Magazine
Table of Contents*FrontMatter, pg. i*Contents, pg. v*Preface, pg. xiii*1. "Sports and Pastimes, Done by Number": Mathematical Tricks, Mathematical Games, pg. 1*2. "Much Necessary for All States of Men": From Arithmetic to Algebra, pg. 32*3. "A Goodly Struggle": Problems, Puzzles, and Challenges, pg. 62*4. "Drawyng, Measuring and Proporcion": Geometry and Trigonometry, pg. 84*5. Maps, Monsters, and Riddles: The Worlds of Mathematical Popularization, pg. 108*6. "To Ease and Expedite the Work": Mathematical Instruments and How to Use Them, pg. 152*7. "How Fine a Mind": Mathematicians Past, pg. 176*8. "By Plain and Practical Rules": Mathematics at Work, pg. 216*9. "The Speedier Expedition of Their Learning": Thoughts on Teaching and Learning Mathematics, pg. 245*10. "So Fundamentally Useful a Science": Reflections on Mathematics and Its Place in the World, pg. 290*11. The Mathematicians Who Never Were: Fiction and Humor, pg. 326*Index, pg. 367
