The Book of Numbers: The Secret of Numbers and How They Changed the World

Unraveling the secrets of numbers, from the discovery of zero to infinity.

In clear language, The Book of Numbers cuts through the mystery and fear surrounding numbers to reveal their fascinating nature and roles in architecture, quantum mechanics, computer technology, biology, commerce, philosophy, art, music, religion and more. Indeed, numbers are part of every discipline in the sciences and the arts.

With 350 illustrations, including diagrams, photographs and computer imagery, the book chronicles the centuries-long search for the meaning of numbers by famous and lesser-known mathematicians, and explains the puzzling aspects of the mathematical world. Topics include:

• The earliest ideas of numbers and counting
• Patterns, logic, calculating
• Natural, perfect, amicable and prime numbers
• Numerology, the power of numbers, superstition
• The computer, the Enigma Code
• Infinity, the speed of light, relativity
• Complex numbers
• The Big Bang and Chaos theories
• The Philosopher's Stone.

The Book of Numbers shows enthusiastically that numbers are neither boring nor dull but rather involve intriguing connections, rivalries, secret documents and even mysterious deaths.

Peter J. Bentley is a senior research fellow and professor at the Department of Computer Science, University College London, and is well known for his prolific research covering all aspects of evolutionary computation and digital biology. He is the author of the popular science book Digital Biology and a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4.