The Secret Formula: How a Mathematical Duel Inflamed Renaissance Italy and Uncovered the Cubic Equation
Language: English
Published by Princeton University Press, 2020
- First Edition
- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: Arroyo Seco Books, Pasadena, Member IOBA, Pasadena, CA, U.S.A.Arroyo Seco Books, Pasadena, Member IOBA
AbeBooks seller since August 25, 1999
Association member: IOBA
View this seller's itemsCondition: Used - Fine
US$ 63.00
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Viii, 161 Pp. Hardcover. First Printing Indicated With "1". Fine In Fine Dust Jacket Priced $24.95.
Seller Inventory # 057051
- Title
- The Secret Formula: How a Mathematical Duel Inflamed Renaissance Italy and Uncovered the Cubic Equation
- Author
- Toscano, Fabio
- Publisher
- Princeton University Press
- Publication year
- 2020
- Condition
- Fine
- Dust jacket
- Fine
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0691183678
- ISBN 13
- 9780691183671
- Edition
- 1st Edition
- Printing
- 1st Printing
- Seller catalogs
- Mathematics
The legendary Renaissance math duel that ushered in the modern age of algebra
The Secret Formula tells the story of two Renaissance mathematicians whose jealousies, intrigues, and contentious debates led to the discovery of a formula for the solution of the cubic equation. Niccolò Tartaglia was a talented and ambitious teacher who possessed a secret formula—the key to unlocking a seemingly unsolvable, two-thousand-year-old mathematical problem. He wrote it down in the form of a poem to prevent other mathematicians from stealing it. Gerolamo Cardano was a physician, gifted scholar, and notorious gambler who would not hesitate to use flattery and even trickery to learn Tartaglia's secret.
Set against the backdrop of sixteenth-century Italy, The Secret Formula provides new and compelling insights into the peculiarities of Renaissance mathematics while bringing a turbulent and culturally vibrant age to life. It was an era when mathematicians challenged each other in intellectual duels held outdoors before enthusiastic crowds. Success not only enhanced the winner's reputation, but could result in prize money and professional acclaim. After hearing of Tartaglia's spectacular victory in one such contest in Venice, Cardano invited him to Milan, determined to obtain his secret by whatever means necessary. Cardano's intrigues paid off. In 1545, he was the first to publish a general solution of the cubic equation. Tartaglia, eager to take his revenge by establishing his superiority as the most brilliant mathematician of the age, challenged Cardano to the ultimate mathematical duel.
A lively account of genius, betrayal, and all-too-human failings, The Secret Formula reveals the epic rivalry behind one of the fundamental ideas of modern algebra.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Arroyo Seco Books, Pasadena, Member IOBA
Pasadena, CA, U.S.A.
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 14 business days | 3 to 7 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 9.00 | US$ 28.00 |
Payment methods
- Cash
- Check
- Money Order
Store description
Fine and unusual first editions and out of print books in all categories. Original photographs, Fine antiquarian and other original prints, paintings, drawings and watercolors. Motion picture and television scripts. Ephemera, Manuscripts and autographs. In business on the internet since 1999.
Specialty
Scarce books in all fields. Original photographs, Fine antiquarian, Original antiquarian prints (woodcuts, paintings, Motion picture scripts, drawings and watercolors, paintings, graphics, out of printAssociation member
Seller's business information
Arroyo Seco Books, Pasadena, Member IOBA
CA, U.S.A.
Terms of sale
- All items are guaranteed to be fully described as to condition, with defects noted. Items are returnable for any reason within 30 days of receipt, or later by mutual agreement; for returned items, prior telephone or e-mail notice is required, as well as proper packing and, if appropriate, insurance. When items are found to not be as described, we will pay reasonable return shipping costs from the country to which we originally sent the item or, if returned from the US, the actual return postage amount..
- Prices are net; payment is due prior to shipment; we accept U. S. checks or money orders, or electronic transfers through Internet payment providers such as Paypal; we do not have facilities for direct credit card payments. International postal money orders accepted; international bank checks must be drawn on banks with U.S. addresses and routing numbers. Direct bank transfers are accepted for orders over $2500 if requested.
- All items subject to prior sale.
- Purchases delivered to addresses in California are subject to an additional 9.5% sales tax.
- E-mail to arroyosecobooks@earthlink.net is the best way to contact us to inquire about or to order books.
Shipping terms
Postage, handling and insurance are extra, at estimated cost and processing fee. Shipment at standard rates is for small to standard sized books via media mail within U.S., or via Priority Mail envelope overseas, with tracking. Standard shipping costs are based on books of standard size with shipping weight of 4 pounds or less; if a book order is heavier or oversized, extra shipping costs may be charged. Non-standard and higher-valued international shipments are charged estimated postage and shipping costs, including full insurance for all shipments valued over $200. The full purchase price is always indicated on the Customs statement.