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Curves for the Mathematically Curious: An Anthology of the Unpredictable, Historical, Beautiful, and Romantic
Hardback
Main Details
Title |
Curves for the Mathematically Curious: An Anthology of the Unpredictable, Historical, Beautiful, and Romantic
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Authors and Contributors |
By (author) Julian Havil
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Physical Properties |
Format:Hardback | Pages:280 | Dimensions(mm): Height 235,Width 155 |
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Category/Genre | Art forms Geometry History of mathematics |
ISBN/Barcode |
9780691180052
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Classifications | Dewey:516.15 |
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Audience | Tertiary Education (US: College) | Professional & Vocational | |
Illustrations |
125 b/w illus.
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Publishing Details |
Publisher |
Princeton University Press
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Imprint |
Princeton University Press
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Publication Date |
15 October 2019 |
Publication Country |
United States
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Description
Ten amazing curves personally selected by one of today's most important math writers Curves for the Mathematically Curious is a thoughtfully curated collection of ten mathematical curves, selected by Julian Havil for their significance, mathematical interest, and beauty. Each chapter gives an account of the history and definition of a curve, pro
Author Biography
Julian Havil is the author of John Napier: Life, Logarithms, and Legacy; The Irrationals: A Story of the Numbers You Can't Count On; Impossible? Surprising Solutions to Counterintuitive Conundrums; Nonplussed! Mathematical Proof of Implausible Ideas; and Gamma: Exploring Euler's Constant (all Princeton). He is a retired former master at Winchester College, England, where he taught mathematics for more than three decades.
Reviews"This is not your father's - or grandfather's - standard collection of conic sections."---Jim Stein, New Books Network "Undoubtedly [this book], written in the same entertaining unmistakable style of the author and containing a lot of information - mathematical, historical and general - will attract, as the previous ones, a large audience."---S. Cobzas, Studia Mathematica "What a beautiful book!"---Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica.org "A wonderful addition to libraries where the mathematically curious find their reading." * Choice * "Havil's narrative for each curve is a cornucopia of fun facts and rigorous explanation."---Andrew J. Simoson, Mathematical Intelligencer "Overall, the book was a delight to read. The writing is witty and entertaining, the history is at times peculiar and surprising, and the mathematics is rich and engaging. It would make a fine addition to a classroom bookcase or home coffee table, but while there are plenty of elegant diagrams and intriguing stories to give every curious reader the chance to glimpse mathematical beauty, only those with the ability to dig beneath the surface will understand just how much beauty this book has to offer."---Samuel Hewitt, Mathematical Gazette
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