The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (Penguin Reference Books)

From algebra to number theory, statistics to mechanics, this versatile and completely updated reference takes in all branches of pure and applied mathematics. Features include:

• More than 3,200 cross-referenced entries, supported by dozens of
  explanatory diagrams
• Expanded, up-to-date sections on such topics as chaos, fractals,
  and graph theory
• Biographies of more than 200 key figures in mathematics
• Comprehensive coverage of subjects taught in both high school
  and college

David Nelson, born in 1938, was educated at Calday Grange Grammar School, Cheshire, and won an open mathematical scholarship to Christ's College, Cambridge. After postgraduate work in mathematical logic at Cambridge and Bristol universities, he entered the teaching profession. He has published papers in mathematical journals and is a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Since 1981 he has been a Lecturer in Education at the University of Manchester specializing in mathematics education and the history of mathematics. His recent publications include Extension of Calculus and Multicultural Mathematics. He has lectured in Poland, Italy and France, and in 1995, at the invitation of the State Education Committee of the People's Republic of China, organised and led a three week National Seminar on Mathematics Education to initiate reform of the Chinese national mathematics curriculum.

His main recreations are playing the flute and piano, gardening and squash. His wife, Gillian is a writer and they have three small children.