This is a popular
mathematics book for the layman. The author has succeeded in writing
interesting articles in mathematics which are laid out alphabetically. Dunham
discusses the problems and personalities in the history of mathematics. If you
want a student hooked into mathematics then this the book they should read.
The technical
mathematics in the book are excellently described in simple terms that the
average layman can understand. Dunham really does bring mathematics to live in
this book.
Initially I was
reluctant to purchase a book which is mapped out in alphabetic order. However
Dunham managed to make the progression from one chapter to the next seamless.
Chapter 1 is on arithmetic and the last chapter called Z is on complex
numbers.
The book is very
well organised and has good quality writing style – well expressed, clarity,
coherence etc. Dunham has struck the right balance between writing thoroughly
and for the amateur or non-professional. Illustrations are sprinkled throughout
the book and the author has used these with dramatic effect.
I would recommend
this book to any student or teacher of mathematic as well as for non
mathematicians.
Kuldeep Singh
1st Feb 2012
