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
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Julian Havil
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:280
Dimensions(mm): Height 235,Width 155
Category/GenreArt forms
Geometry
History of mathematics
ISBN/Barcode 9780691180052
ClassificationsDewey:516.15
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 125 b/w illus.

Publishing Details

Publisher Princeton University Press
Imprint Princeton University Press
Publication Date 15 October 2019
Publication Country United States

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