Summary

Contemporary mathematics is often extremely abstract, and the important questions mathematicians concern themselves with can sometimes be difficult to describe to the interested non-specialist. Perhaps this is one reason that so many histories of mathematics give little attention to the last hundred years of discovery—despite the fact that this period has probably been the most productive in the history of mathematics.

Now in full color, The History of Mathematics set features five revised editions and one new volume that cover a significant portion of recent mathematical history as well as its origins. From the in-depth interviews with prominent mathematicians (one per volume), readers will develop an appreciation for current work in mathematics as well as an interest in the future of this remarkable subject. This set will be invaluable to anyone interested in this fascinating topic and how it applies to everyday situations.

Specifications

For each title: Full-color photographs and line illustrations. Index. Appendix. Bibliography. Glossary. Cross-references. Chronology. Tables. Further resources.

About the Author(s)

John Tabak, Ph.D., performed graduate work at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and received a degree in mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is the author of Facts On File's Energy and the Environment set as well as Significant Gestures: A History of American Sign Language, a social and scientific history of one of North America's most unique languages.