This book is concerned with non-European contributions to the development of mathematics. It argues that many of these contributions have been unjustly neglected and suggests some reasons for this neglect. There are sections on American and African mathematicians, detailed examinations of Indian, Chinese and Arab mathematics, and on the early mathematicians of Egypt and Mesopotamia. The book aims to be both comprehensive and accessible to those who have only a school background in mathematics.
The Crest of the Peacock
and over 1.5 million other books are available for Amazon Kindle . Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Authors
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
Amazon Review
When we hear that math is both the most noble endeavour of our species and that it was born in Europe, we naturally tend to be suspicious. Few writers could be as well-qualified to write about ancient math across the world as George Gheverghese Joseph, whose The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics is a bright example of clear exposition and argument. Though the topic might intimidate those averse to mathematics, history, non-Western cultures or some combination thereof, the book is essential for any reader who seeks a clearer understanding of any one of those. Joseph doesn't make things easy for non-mathematicians or non-historians, but the pleasure of meeting his challenge is robust. He explains ancient African, American and Asian methods of counting and manipulating numbers with ease, paying particular attention to the historical development and interrelationships between cultures. When discussing systems of mathematics as complex as those taught in ancient India and China, Joseph includes sample problems and discussions to help the interested student see numbers as past learners did. The revised addition includes a lengthy section entitled "Reflections" that updates and expands much of the material. Few readers will be able to match Joseph's grasp of both history and mathematics, but all will find The Crest of the Peacock as delightful and elegant as its subjects. --Rob Lightner
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Praise for Princeton's previous editions: "Enthralling. . . . After reading it, we cannot see the past in the same comforting haze of age-old stories, faithfully and uncritically retold from teacher to pupil down the years. . . . Invaluable for mathematics teachers at all levels. (New Scientist )
Praise for Princeton's previous editions: "What is valuable here is the unified approach that Joseph brings . . . and the non-technical clarity that the attempt to reorder historical priorities and educate his readers out of their European prejudices requires. (Times Literary Supplement ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Praise for Princeton's previous editions: "What is valuable here is the unified approach that Joseph brings . . . and the non-technical clarity that the attempt to reorder historical priorities and educate his readers out of their European prejudices requires. (Times Literary Supplement ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Browse and search another edition of this book.
Browse and search another edition of this book.
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
'Crest of the Peacock' would be an excellent text for a history of mathematics course. It doesn't cover modern mathematics, but for previous periods it is so much better than many others available. For those brought up on Kline, Boyer, Struik, etc, this book is a refreshing challenge to the thinking we have grown up with. The author does not rant about the misconception of maths as a 'western invention', but instead presents a very readable and well argued history of mathematics in various cultures, and the links between them. I learnt far more from this book than I have from any other history of maths text. Highly recommended, particularly if you teach mathematics - there is so much material in here to liven up your classes.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is a book that is truly liberating. It should be read by each and everyone of us brought up on a diet of undiluted Eurocentrism. An amazing journey through history and cultures, one is left at the end of it wanting more. For someone with a limited and frightening exposure to school mathematics, the level and literary clarity makes much of the maths quite palatable. Would unreservedly recommend the book. I would be amazed if at the end of it one's perception of mathematics has not changed for ever.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By DerekCay
Format:Paperback
To enjoy this book. A fascinating tour of maths from Babylonians, through Egypt, Sumeria and India.
Something to dip into, and enjoy, that will illuminate you and hopefully convince you not to describe earlier societies as "primitive".
I'm considering patenting one idea that arose while I was reading it. You may find more. Good mind food.
Something to dip into, and enjoy, that will illuminate you and hopefully convince you not to describe earlier societies as "primitive".
I'm considering patenting one idea that arose while I was reading it. You may find more. Good mind food.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 16 reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very, very interesting
Though I haven't finished the book and have barely started, the book is already turning out to be a fascinating read. Read more
Published on 13 April 2011 by M Jagadeesan
3.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and polemical
A fine book about non western mathematics, concentrating in such civilizations as Ancient Egypt, Babylonia, China, India, the Arab world, and to a lesser extent, the civilizations... Read more
Published on 19 Aug 2008 by Andres C. Salama
5.0 out of 5 stars
Second edition of this book
I have news about a second edition of this book due for this month. It is full of new materials, notes and revisions that makes it even more interesting. Read more
Published on 6 July 2000
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
- Books > History > Other Historical Subjects > History of Science
- Books > Science & Nature > Mathematics
- Books > Science & Nature > Popular Science > Maths
- Books > Scientific, Technical & Medical
- Books > Society, Politics & Philosophy > Philosophy
- Books > Society, Politics & Philosophy > Social Sciences > Cultural Studies > History of Ideas
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
