» From Zero to Infinity: What Makes Numbers Interesting

From Zero to Infinity: What Makes Numbers Interesting Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: Good but needs to fix errors
Comment: I found this book very pleasant to read; the practice questions at the end of each chapter are very interesting and encourages deep thoughts and further reading. However, the book contains quite a few errors, mostly typos , and I found the logic of particular chapters difficult to follow (for example, the narration jumps from one topic to another with only loose connection, as if it was merely for bringing up the unrelated but important topic). Overall I feel this book is entertaining to read, but contains errors that need to be fixed.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Old but good writer
Comment: Constance Reid is one of those authors where I ended up buying everything she wrote. If you are advanced in mathematics she might be a tad elementary; but if you are an imbecile when it comes to mathematics as I am, you may find her interesting. It is number theory; however Reid's relationship with the little fellows seems to be more personal, more introspective than many number theorists.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Numbers being treated with respect
Comment: Few books capture the range and rapture of mathematics like this one. Even though only twelve numbers are discussed, (zero through 9, e and aleph-zero), many of the trials, tribulations and joys of numbers and their admirers comes through. The style cannot merely be described by the word clarity, as this is a work that can be read by virtually anyone, even though a lot of mathematics is presented.
With numbers being touched, almost lovingly fondled, rather than discussed, this book belongs in every library. And it should be read, and read, and read, . . .

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

---