The Rainbow of Mathematics: A History of the Mathematical Sciences - Softcover

Grattan-Guinness, Ivor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0393320308 ISBN 13: 9780393320305

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 2000

Synopsis

Beginning with the Babylonian and Egyptian mathematicians of antiquity, Ivor Grattan-Guinness "succeeds masterfully in viewing the history of mathematics from a new perspective" (Professor Karen Hunger Parshall, editor of Historia Mathematica).

He charts the growth of mathematics through its refinement by ancient Greeks and then medieval Arabs, to its systematic development by Europeans from the Middle Ages to the early twentieth century. This book describes the evolution of arithmetic and geometry, trigonometry and algebra; the interplay between mathematics, physics, and mathematical astronomy; and "new" branches such as probability and statistics. Authoritative and comprehensive, The Rainbow of Mathematics is a unique account of the development of the science that is at the heart of so many other sciences. Originally published under the title The Norton History of the Mathematical Sciences.

About this title

About the Author:

Ivor Grattan-Guinness is professor of the history of mathematics and logic at Middlesex University, England.

Review:

"Grattan-Guinness differs from other comprehensive historians of math by spending more time on the 19th century..." -- Publishers Weekly, 19 October 1998

Brilliant: a most impressive scientific work. . . . Stylistically it combines the content of an encyclopedia with the chronology of narrative. -- Professor Hans Wussig, University of Leipzig

Grattan-Guinness has achieved a synthesis here of remarkable historical and mathematical scope and sensitivity. His book is a 'must read' for historians of science and mathematics, as well as mathematicians. -- Professor Karen Hunger Parshall, editor of Historia Mathematica

Several features make this history unique: its lengthy discussion of the 19th century; its heavy emphasis on the importance of applications as a source of mathematical progress; the author's distinction between ways that theories are discovered; discussion of probability and statistics; inclusion of important lesser figures; and consideration of national differences in the study of mathematics. -- Book News, Inc

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0393320308
• ISBN 13: 9780393320305
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 830