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The Book of Infinity

Joel David Hamkins

$160

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English
MIT Press
29 September 2026
A rich, thorough exploration of infinity that combines mathematical precision with playful, accessible coverage of a fascinating variety of paradoxes and conundrums.

In this rich, thorough account of all things infinite, Joel David Hamkins combines playful thought experiments with mathematically precise exposition to explore the vast, fascinating spectrum of paradoxes and conundrums of infinity. Written with equal parts wonder and rigor, the book moves from classical paradoxes (Zeno, Hilbert's Hotel, Aristotle's wheel) to Cantor's transfinite arithmetic, the continuum hypothesis, surreal numbers, infinitesimals, epistemic logic puzzles, and contemporary debates about potential vs. actual infinity. Twenty-five lively, self-contained chapters are enriched by extensive illustrations, diagrams, figures, and Fermi-style estimation puzzles. Highly readable and pedagogically rich, The Book of Infinity is ideal for undergraduate philosophy and math students and enthusiasts of logical and mathematical curiosities alike.

Approaches a wide range of ideas with both rigor and delight

Renders deep mathematical ideas accessible to beginners

Emphasizes intuition and deep conceptual understanding

Integrates historical perspectives and contemporary issues

Suits anyone interested in paradoxes, large numbers, and conceptual puzzles
By:  
Imprint:   MIT Press
Country of Publication:   United States
Dimensions:   Height: 229mm,  Width: 178mm, 
Weight:   369g
ISBN:   9780262054010
ISBN 10:   0262054019
Pages:   400
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming

Joel David Hamkins is the O'Hara Professor of Logic at the University of Notre Dame and author of Lectures on the Philosophy of Mathematics and Proof and the Art of Mathematics, both published by the MIT Press, as well as the popular newsletter Infinitely More.

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