The Math Explorer Book

Written for the non-mathematician, this book outlines the origins and nature of mathematics, discusses very large numbers and fractions, reviews the fundamental axioms of algebra and trigonometry, and introduces probability theory. The final section chronicles the life and achievements of Copernicus, Descartes, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Publishers Weekly

People for whom "mathematics has an air of mystery with its sometimes forbidding nomenclature and its hieroglyphic symbols" can begin to overcome their math phobia with this smart primer. An experienced science writer, Weaver (What Are the Odds?) takes readers on what he calls a "walking tour" of mathematics, touching on some of the highlights from the field's ancient beginnings up through the post-Newtonian world. Weaver's writing is clear and reassuring to the novice, as his tour traverses the fairly easy ground of algebra and geometry and the rougher terrain of trigonometry, probability and statistics. And he humanizes his subject, not only by showing how it relates to daily life but by offering portraits of five men who advanced mathematics: Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Descartes and Newton. Weaver skillfully opens up this "intellectual wonderland" to the curious. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.