In order to understand the universe you must know the language in which it is written. And that language is mathematics.
- Galileo (1564-1642)
For hundreds of thousands of years, we have sought order in the apparent chaos of the universe. Mathematics has been our most valuable tool in that search, uncovering the patterns and rules that govern our world and beyond. How the World Works: Mathematics serves as a brilliant introduction to the history and enigmas of this vast discipline, plotting a journey from innumerate cave-dwellers, through the towering mathematical intellects of the last 4,000 years, to the breakthroughs of today.
This book includes:
• Accessible explanations of mathematical principles, such as chaos theory and set theory
• Profiles of famed and lesser-known mathematicians, including Pythagoras, Descartes and Madhava of Sangamagrama
• Quirky facts and anecdotes
• A useful glossary of mathematical terms
ABOUT THE SERIES: How the World Works is an illustrated series by Arcturus Publishing. Each book provides an engaging introduction to a branch of human knowledge, outlining key principles and charting its development across history up to the present day.
Adult
Anne Rooney is an award-winning author who has written several bestselling books on history, philosophy and science. She was shortlisted for the ALCS Educational Writers' Award in 2015 and won the School Library Association Information Book Award in 2018. She has a degree and a PhD from Trinity College, Cambridge and has been a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Newham College, Cambridge. Her books have been translated into 22 languages.
Childrens Anne Rooney is an award-winning author who writes on science and the history of science for children and adults. Her Dinosaur Atlas was shortlisted for the Royal Young People's Book Award 2018 and won the School Library Association Information Book Award (ages 7-12), 2018. She has a degree and a PhD from Trinity College, Cambridge and has been a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Newham College, Cambridge. Her books have been translated into 22 languages.