- Hardcover: 324 pages
- Publisher: Springer; 1st Edition. edition (13 Mar 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1848000006
- ISBN-13: 978-1848000001
- Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 13.3 x 2.5 cm
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
741,255 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #60 in Books > Science & Nature > Mathematics > Numbers > Number Systems
- See Complete Table of Contents
Number Story: From Counting to Cryptography
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
From the reviews: "The target reader of this book is a senior high school student. It is well suited to such an audience; indeed, it is exactly the sort of work I would myself have devoured some 50+ years ago. … The different topics treated are all described exactly and succinctly." (Michael A. B. Deakin, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2008 j) “The author gives a history of the development of numbers including the natural numbers, the rational numbers, the real numbers and the complex numbers. The text is written at a level appropriate for any educated person. Throughout the text the reasons for the development of various numbers are given along with a historical view of the intuitive struggles with these new ideas.” (Steven T. Dougherty, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1188, 2010)
Product Description
Peter Higgins distills centuries of work into one delightful narrative that celebrates the mystery of numbers and explains how different kinds of numbers arose and why they are useful. Full of historical snippets and interesting examples, the book ranges from simple number puzzles and magic tricks, to showing how ideas about numbers relate to real-world problems. This fascinating book will inspire and entertain readers across a range of abilities. Easy material is blended with more challenging ideas. As our understanding of numbers continues to evolve, this book invites us to rediscover the mystery and beauty of numbers.
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Amazon.com:
3 reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Classic
28 Aug 2008
Format:Hardcover
The book is a classic. It is well written. It is a joy to read. Do you know the story of numbers? Read the book, and find out. The author, in a delightful style of writing, explains the story of numbers. Peter Higgins, I feel, can get his information across to the reader so they'll understand it. You'll say to yourself, over and over again, that makes sense, how come in the past no one could explain it to me in this manner? There are professors, then there are Professors, Peter Higgins deserves the title of Professor of Mathematics.
These are my feelings, and I read the book with an open mind. Every now and then I'll re-read a chapter, or I'll dive into the chapter "For Connoisseurs." In the end, it's a classic.
These are my feelings, and I read the book with an open mind. Every now and then I'll re-read a chapter, or I'll dive into the chapter "For Connoisseurs." In the end, it's a classic.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Number Story is Wonder Story
27 Feb 2010
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book has nothing wrong with it except a few typos. It's a well-written entry into higher math. Every chapter could be the summary of a PhD thesis. Yet, it's for you and me. I never got further than college statistics, yet, with a willingness to focus, I can roughly follow what Mr. Higgins is talking about. On the other hand, if I really knew my math, I'd be soaring into all sorts of mathematical heights and details. I personally loved the chapter on cryptography. Mr. Higgins tell the story of this fascinating field, which originated from war-time necessity. His simple non-mathematical explanations seduced me into actually delving with him into deeper math. So if you're like me, this chapter alone was worth the read. If you are a real mathematician, oh man, you'll follow all the math, and be so glad you read this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
loved it
11 Jan 2011
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Ok, so at this point you should know a little about the history of math, maybe some number theory or cryptography, who knows. It doesn't matter, this book should not be marketed as a test but instead as enjoyable reading for mathematicians. I enjoyed the background on many points that I had not known, the swath is broad but enjoyable. Reminds me of the writing style of Dunham, it is rare to find a mathematician who is such an enjoyable author.
As for the material and content, you are not going to be working proofs and trying to understand how he moved from one step to the next but you will enjoy it. I took it on vacation and used it for casual reading. My wife did not like when I tried to share something exciting or interesting but she is not a mathematician either.
As for the material and content, you are not going to be working proofs and trying to understand how he moved from one step to the next but you will enjoy it. I took it on vacation and used it for casual reading. My wife did not like when I tried to share something exciting or interesting but she is not a mathematician either.
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