Giving a detailed account of the history of mathematics, covering the philosophical and scientific basis of our number system, this book is an entertaining and informative read. The 15 chapters are each based on a specific number, explaining it’s origins and significance.
Covering topics such as pi, infinity and the golden ratio; it reveals the passion and excitement involved in studying mathematics. Unlike a textbook, it also shows how this subject grounded in logic actually finds its roots in philosophy and people attempting to make sense of the world. Some discoveries such as irrationals were initially very controversial and Bentley’s detailed exploration into this and other topics provides a really interesting account.
