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The Pleasures of Counting Paperback – 5 Dec 1996

by T. W. Körner (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars 9 customer reviews
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Product details

  • Paperback: 546 pages
  • Publisher: Cambridge University Press (5 Dec. 1996)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0521568234
  • ISBN-13: 978-0521568234
  • Product Dimensions: 17.4 x 2.8 x 24.7 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 333,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Review

'This is real mathematics, not the watered down versions served in 'maths for liberal arts' courses … Not just maths lovers, but a much larger audience, should enjoy Körner's witty prose and enlightening comments, numerous historical passages and anecdotes. I would particularly recommend the book to all maths teachers.' Arturo Sangalli, New Scientist

'… a glorious celebration of mathematics as a way of getting to grips with the world around us, employing a seamless mix of history, abstract thought and applications.' Ian Stewart, New Scientist

'… a real gem of a book … I don't recommend a book this strongly very often - if you have any interest in maths at whatever level and for any reason go out and buy a copy!' Computer Shopper

'… delightful.' Douglas Quadling, The Magazine of the Cambridge Society

'This is a marvelous book which I commend to all mathematicians and students of mathematics.' C. M. Elliott, Mathematics Today

'If you have ever wondered what it is that mathemeticians do and why they do it then this may be the book for you.' L'Enseignement Mathématique

' … well-researched book … It is aimed at anyone who is willing to remember school mathematics. A cracking good tale: buy it for your children and read it yourself.' Mathematika

Book Description

What is the connection between the outbreak of cholera in Victorian Soho, the Battle of the Atlantic and the design of anchors? They all show how a little mathematics can shed light on the world around us. If you have ever wondered what mathematicians do, then read on. Mathematicians wanting to explain to others how they spend their working days (and nights) should seek inspiration here.

Customer Reviews

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Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsA wonderful book - buy it for every growing mathematician
By C. R. Long VINE VOICE on 6 Jun. 2001
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I can't praise this book highly enough. I just wish I had more time to "mine" its depths.
The subject matter is maths, of course. But the approach puts the maths into the context of how it is used to solve real-world problems - giving an insight into the development of applied mathematics - often mistaken as mechanics and stats.
Korner's description of the people behind the maths, particularly Richardson, is very warm and helps you feel how particular problems were tackled.
The style is "literary" and the exercises, which are scattered throughout, "emerge" from the text. This provides real motivation for the problems - and motivates the reader to learn something by attempting them. It reminded me of Polya's classic "How to Solve It" (now that's an ABSOLUTE must).
I think Korner's target of a bright teenager is a bit ambitious. I feel the intended reader would have to be a pretty serious minded individual destined for the "premier division" maths departments to get much out of the book - but I may be underestimating the potential of the readers.
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5.0 out of 5 starsAn excellent book, highly recommended.
By A Customer on 20 Oct. 1998
Format: Paperback
I found this an enthralling book. The style of writing makes it easy to read, while still being very clear and precise. It covers an intriguing range of topics and would, I feel, be of interest to anyone with reasonable level of mathematical knowledge.
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5.0 out of 5 starsA fantasic book and a must-have for mathematics fans!
By Mr. S. J. Baker on 28 April 2000
Format: Paperback
A great book. Korner shows how mathematics has been applied to many areas of study with practical, fascinating results. If you have got as far as reading this review, you will love this book. Enjoy!
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5.0 out of 5 starsWell written, broad in scope, & rich in detail
By Daniel Winterstein on 1 May 2012
Format: Paperback
A great book exploring mathematics as a living & exciting subject. A sort of cross between a pop-science book & a textbook.

Be warned: It takes no prisoners. You don't need any mathematical background to begin it. But you must be willing to do maths if you're going to get the most from this book.
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5.0 out of 5 starsworthwhile read, with some disfiguring flaws
By S. Matthews on 8 April 2003
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
No question, this is a five star book, it is a nice tutorial overview of applied maths, the high point being a presentation of Turing's analysis of the Enigma cypher at Bletchley, which I had never read before.

I was surprised at some of the things cited (the first chapter on operational research in the first world war is not, shall we say, deep) and some of those that do not get cited, but de gustibus non disputandem est. And I would have to say that in general the contents were surprising in the best way, by being ofbeat, and that is good.

Nevertheless, I have a list of quibbles; here are some:

First, he makes some foolishly dismissive - to be kind - remarks about economics, which reveal only that he does not seem to know a lot about the subject.

Second, he makes some foolish jokes about masters and servants; he glosses his description of Halmos's Naive set theory as a gentlemans guide by explaining that a gentleman should know how to drive, but probably prefers to let his chauffeur do it most of the time. He makes similar remarks about valets and algorithms (an algorithm is something that your valet could perform). One gets the feeling he would have been on the prosecutions side over lady Chatterley's Lover.

When I was doing my PhD, I remember one of the other students attempted to cultivate a gentleman's attitude to the computer on which he did his research. This was not as endearing a pose as he thought.

Third, maybe less aristocratic disdain about foundations would have improved the final dialogue about the axiomatic method, where complex technical issues are simply brushed under the rug without mention.Read more ›
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