Synopsis
"If you think trigonometry has no more surprises for you, read Trigonometric Delights. Eli Maor will change your mind. The book presents the subject and its history the way they should be presented—it's a delight to read."—Paul J. Nahin, author of Duelling Idiots and Other Probability Puzzlers
"This book will appeal to a general audience interested in the history of mathematics. I highly recommend [it] to teachers who would like to ground their lessons in the sort of mathematical investigations that were undertaken throughout history."—Richard S. Kitchen, Mathematics Teacher
"[Maor] writes enthusiastically and engagingly. . . . Delightful reading from cover to cover. Trigonometric Delights is a welcome addition."—Sean Bradley, Mathematical Association of America
"Here is trigonometry viewed through the lens of history—a rich, intriguing book that will leave readers shouting for Maor."—William Durham, author of The Mathematical Universe.
"Maor eases the reader from the mathematical puzzles of the Rhind Papyrus all the way to infinite series and the analysis of music produced by vibrating strings. Along the course, he leads a grand tour of the lovely but often neglected area of mathematics called trigonometry."—Jerry P. King, Professor of Mathematics at Lehigh University
"This is a rich and challenging book that will appeal to mathematicians and should help attract a newer generation to the subject. By putting the history back into trigonometry, Maor tells the many stories of trigonometry, and shows that what is often regarded as a collection of dry techniques is really a marvelous testament to thousands of years of human ingenuity and intellectual creativity."—Keith Devlin, author of Mathematics: The Science of Patterns and Goodbye Descartes
George H. Swift - American Mathematics Monthly
Maor's presentation of the historical development of the concepts and results deepens one's appreciation of them, and his discussion of the personalities involved and their politics and religions puts a human face on the subject. His exposition of mathematical arguments is thorough and remarkably easy to understand. There is a lot of material here that teachers can use to keep their students awake and interested. In short, Trigonometric Delights should be required reading for everyone who teaches trigonometry and can be highly recommended for anyone who uses it.