A Guide to Infinity

Ten Mathematical Journeys

Edward R. Scheinerman

$41.95

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Yale University Press
06 January 2026

Mathematics; Philosophy of mathematics; Discrete mathematics; History of mathematics

An accessible introduction to infinity explaining the different ways that mathematicians use it in their daily work

Infinity has traditionally been a topic for philosophers, physicists, and artists, and it can be large, scary, or highly metaphorical. For mathematicians, however, infinity is not frightening or hopelessly abstract (though it is certainly big) but rather is a normal part of their work. In this guide, award-winning professor and author Edward R. Scheinerman offers an exploration of infinity for the curious. This is real math for real people, and you do not need a mastery of calculus to understand and enjoy it.

Through witty and accessible prose, along with many illustrations, Scheinerman demonstrates how infinity is used in algebra, geometry, and logic, touching on hyperreal numbers, the hyperbolic plane, transfinite ordinals, and more. He ends each chapter with tantalizing questions to inspire readers toward further—infinite?—investigation. This book, by the author of The Mathematics Lover's Companion, is for students, mathophiles, engineers, scientists, accountants—even people who fear mathematics!

By: Edward R. Scheinerman
Imprint: Yale University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9780300284799
ISBN 10: 0300284799
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 06 January 2026
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Edward R. Scheinerman is professor of applied mathematics and statistics and a vice dean at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of The Mathematics Lover’s Companion.

Reviews for A Guide to Infinity: Ten Mathematical Journeys

“Math is rarely this precise and this readable at the same time. A gem for anyone who’s ever been curious about the infinite.”—Steven Strogatz, author of Infinite Powers “A delightful book about the fundamental concept of infinity! With remarkable clarity, Ed Scheinerman invites readers to explore the many paths for approaching the infinite.”—Avi Wigderson, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton “A wonderfully well-presented set of explorations of infinity. Using only mathematics at the precalculus level, Professor Scheinerman enables the reader to effectively think about, and meaningfully work with, infinity from a variety of perspectives: algebraic, geometric, and set-theoretic.”—Susan Jane Colley, Andrew and Pauline Delaney Professor of Mathematics Emerita, Oberlin College “Ed Scheinerman succeeds in explaining the mathematical concept of infinity in its many guises, using only basic mathematical background. This is a beautiful description of a fascinating topic written by a superb expositor.”—Noga Alon, Princeton University