The secret of constellations, the enigma of the golden mean, and the brilliance of a proof-these are just some of the wonders Clawson explores with unbridled delight in this recreational math book. Throughout the book he divulges the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians, whose stunning revelations still have deep meaning today.Transporting us beyond mere appreciation, Clawson urges us to tackle functions, tangents, and the concept of infinity. He helps us intuitively comprehend these and other building blocks of mathematics through explaining their discovery and uses. By accompanying him on his journey, we taste the fruit of knowledge that has eluded us until now.
A unique and utterly charming guide to the history of mathematics.
