Overview
A History of Mathematics: From Mesopotamia to Modernity covers the evolution of mathematics through time and across the major Eastern and Western civilizations. It begins in Babylon, then describes the trials and tribulations of the Greek mathematicians. The important, and often neglected, influence of both Chinese and Islamic mathematics is covered in detail, placing the description of early Western mathematics in a global context. The book concludes with modern mathematics, covering recent developments such as the advent of the computer, chaos theory, topology, mathematical physics, and the solution of Fermat's Last Theorem.Containing more than 100 illustrations and figures, this text, aimed at advanced undergraduates and postgraduates, addresses the methods and challenges associated with studying the history of mathematics. The reader is introduced to the leading figures in the history of mathematics (including Archimedes, Ptolemy, Qin Jiushao, al-Kashi, al-Khwarizmi, Galileo, Newton, Leibniz, Helmholtz, Hilbert, Alan Turing, and Andrew Wiles) and their fields. An extensive bibliography with cross-references to key texts will provide invaluable resource to students and exercises (with solutions) will stretch the more advanced reader.
Full Product Details
Author: Luke Hodgkin (King's College, London)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Dimensions:
Width: 19.40cm
, Height: 1.90cm
, Length: 25.30cm
Weight: 0.777kg
ISBN: 9780198529378
ISBN 10: 0198529376
Pages: 296
Publication Date: 02 June 2005
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: To order
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.
Reviews
The book contains more than 100 illustrations, pictures and figures, and many exercises (with solutions). An extensive bibliography with cross-references will be very helpful for students and readers. The book will be interesting for undergraduate and postgraduate students of mathematics and other readers interested in the history and philosophy of mathematics. EMS Newsletter Interesting and insightful. Herbert Kasube, MAA Online Hodgkin makes a convincing case for the importance of Ismaic mathematics. The Times Higher
Author Information
Luke Hodgkin has taught mathematics and its history at the universities of Warwick and Algiers, and most recently at King's College, London. He studied mathematics at Balliol College and St. John's College, Oxford, and is a former member of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton. He is now a freelance writer and teacher.
