"Find a thread and follow it," urges Davis ( Thomas Gray, Philosopher Cat ), professor of applied mathematics at Brown, at the outset of these self-indulgent, often coy divagations inspired by an academic quibble about the transliteration of the name of a 19th-century Russian mathematician. Like an encyclopedist run wild, Davis leaps by the merest of associations from one bit of mathematical history to another, and from these into an apparently infinite plane of intellectual and cultural history: 10th-century nun Hrotsvitha of Gandersheim, Sikkimese shamans, Coptic proper nouns all surface. The information is fairly interesting, at times startling. The book itself, however, falls flat. Its theses--that historical events progress only circuitously; that "not the truth, but the search for the truth; the process, the method, that is what matters"--are far from new, and Davis's self-referential ramblings neither electrify his stores of fact nor stimulate the reader. Here is a prodigious mind playing solitaire.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We are a general interest book store selling books on all subjects both in store and online. We offer everything from reader's copies to rare books and our services include special orders and worldwide shipping.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Book Alley
CA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

For orders or inquiries, call or email us
626-683-8083 or Toll Free (888) 457-1899, or bookalley@bookalley.com.
Fax 626-683-8084
We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, & Discovery cards. Also we accept
checks and money orders.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 6.00	US$ 12.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.