| Description |
xvii, 123 p. : ill. ; 18 cm. |
| Series |
Very short introductions ; 305 |
|
Very short introductions ; 305.
|
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (p. 113-116) and index. |
| Contents |
Mathematics: myth and history -- What is mathematics and who is a mathematician? -- How are mathematical ideas disseminated? -- Learning mathematics -- Mathematical livelihoods -- Getting inside mathematics -- The evolving historiography of mathematics. |
| Summary |
In this volume the author explores the rich historical and cultural diversity of mathematical endeavour from the distant past to the present day, using illustrative case studies drawn from a range of times and places; including early imperial China, the medieval Islamic world, and nineteenth-century Britain. Mathematics has had a long and varied history, stretching back over 4,000 years and across every civilization and culture. Focusing on a number of themes rather than specific periods, the author centers each chapter on illustrative case studies, drawing out key ideas and fresh ways of thinking about the topic, as she looks at how mathematics has been learned, used, and handed on to new generations. |
| Subject |
Mathematics -- History.
|
| Indexed Term |
Mathematics History |
| ISBN |
9780199599684 |
|
0199599688 |
|
