The Spirit of Mathematics

Algebra and all that

David Acheson

$28.95

Hardback

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English

Oxford University Press
05 January 2023

Mathematics & Sciences; Mathematics; Algebra; History of mathematics

What makes mathematics so special?

Whether you have anxious memories of the subject from school, or solve quadratic equations for fun, David Acheson's book will make you look at mathematics afresh. Following on from his previous bestsellers, The Calculus Story and The Wonder Book of Geometry, here Acheson highlights the power of algebra, combining it with arithmetic and geometry to capture the spirit of mathematics. This short book encompasses an astonishing array of ideas and concepts, from number tricks and magic squares to infinite series and imaginary numbers.

Acheson's enthusiasm is infectious, and, as ever, a sense of quirkiness and fun pervades the book. But it also seeks to crystallize what is special about mathematics: the delight of discovery; the importance of proof; and the joy of contemplating an elegant solution. Using only the simplest of materials, it conjures up the depth and the magic of the subject.

By: David Acheson
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 204mm, Width: 135mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 266g
ISBN: 9780192845085
ISBN 10: 019284508X
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 05 January 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

David Acheson is Emeritus Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford, and was the University's first winner of a National Teaching Fellowship in 2004. He was President of the Mathematical Association from 2010 to 2011, and now lectures widely on mathematics to young people and the general public. In 2013, Acheson was awarded an Honorary D.Sc. by the University of East Anglia for his outstanding work in the popularisation of mathematics. His books include 1089 and All That (OUP, 2002), The Calculus Story, (OUP, 2017), and The Wonder Book of Geometry, (OUP, 2020).

Reviews for The Spirit of Mathematics: Algebra and all that

David Acheson captures the joy and wonder of mathematics in this little book, full of delightful and curious examples presented in a gentle, friendly way, yet packing in a number of profound ideas. * Hannah Fry, broadcaster and lecturer, author of The Mathematics of Love and The Indisputable Existence of Santa Claus * A delight. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science * [A] compendium of intriguing ideas which would fascinate and compel a keen mathematician wanting to learn more, and provide hours of intrigue and jumping-off points for further investigation. * Katie Steckles, The Aperiodical * [A] neat little book...every teacher, or at least every department, should have a copy. * Grant Macleod, Mathematics in Schools * This book is both interesting and entertaining, and it should appeal to any numerate person who has a casual interest in puzzles or mathematics. * SF2 Concatenation * This short book encompasses an astonishing array of ideas and concepts, from number tricks and magic squares to infinite series and imaginary numbers. * MathSciNet *