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Overview
"The great book of nature," said Galileo, "can be read only by those who know the language in which it was written. And this language is mathematics." In The Language of Mathematics, award-winning author Keith Devlin reveals the vital role mathematics plays in our eternal quest to understand who we are and the world we live in. More than just the study of numbers, mathematics provides us with the eyes to recognize and describe the hidden patterns of life—patterns that exist in the physical, biological, and social worlds without, and the realm of ideas and thoughts within.
Taking the reader on a wondrous journey through the invisible universe that surrounds us—a universe made visible by mathematics—Devlin shows us what keeps a jumbo jet in the air, explains how we can see and hear a football game on TV, allows us to predict the weather, the behavior of the stock market, and the outcome of elections. Microwave ovens, telephone cables, children's toys, pacemakers, automobiles, and computers—all operate on mathematical principles. Far from a dry and esoteric subject, mathematics is a rich and living part of our culture. An exploration of an often woefully misunderstood subject, The Language of Mathematics celebrates the simplicity, the precision, the purity, and the elegance of mathematics.
Synopsis
Devlin probes the ways that mathematics affect every aspect of our daily lives -- from the physical to the social.
Booknews
A key participant in the public television series Life by the Numbers, Devlin (St. Mary's College of California and Stanford U.) traces the historical development and current breadth of the field for general readers, who are assumed to have no mathematical knowledge or ability. He has basically rewritten and revised written for scientifically literate readers. Unfortunately he does not include a bibliography so readers can dig deeper into particular subjects that interest them. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Editorials
From the Publisher
"Keith Devlin's The Language of Mathematics is the perfect book for people who have questions about math they've always wanted to ask but were afraid they wouldn't understand the answers to."—Boston Book Review
"Devlin takes readers on a tour of the numeric underpinnings of everyday life."—Wired
"As Galileo put it, 'The great book of nature can be read only by those who know the language in which it was written. And this language is mathematics.' Keith Devlin is an apt teacher of the language."—Scientific American
"Devlin, who is able to write for generalists, embarks on the sea of numbers, shapes, and patterns. His voyage potentially had sixty or so destinations, the discrete topics that make up mathematics; to manage the trip Devlin limits the port of call to eight . . . Devlin's tour indeed achieves its purpose."—Booklist
"Those interested in a broad take on the history and current state of the art of math should look no further than The Language of Mathematics."—Publishers Weekly