Customer Reviews
Great Book - By: Dr. Emilie Pons, 05 Apr 2002 
thought I would learn not much about maths history as history of maths is always about the same old subjects... but this book has a different approach to it. More human history than just history of ideas. Even, if it does not talk enough about 19 et 20 th century (that's the maths i like best) it is very nice. May be another book for the more recent mathematicians?
Excellent read, and worh every penny. - By: , 07 Jan 2001 This is a fantastic book which traces the great concepts & inventions of Mathematics. If you are interested in the development of mathematics via the defining moments in it's history this book should delight.
Though I don't considder myself to be particularly able in maths I do find it a very interesting subject so I was pleased with the way this book was written. It has about the right balance of discussion, history & examples (quite a few but the author makes it easy to follow the logic) - I thouroughly reccomend it!
Mathematician Or Not, This Is A Math Book For Everyone! - By: , 18 Nov 1998 Absolutely fantasticallly written. Dunham takes unfamiliar mathematical theorems & makes sense out of the whole works. Plus, he gives detailed (and extremely interesting) accounts of the people & times of certain mathematics. The book has it alll, history, humor, interest & most important of alll the truth of the universe & the giants who attained those truths. The beauty of it is, you don't even need to be a great mathematician to enjoy & understand this wonderful book.
An informative an entertaining look at the history of Math. - By: , 06 Nov 1998 
I studied mathematics in university but never at any great level. I eventuallly went to law school & I now practice law. I give you this background so that you can appreciate what I know (and don't know about math). When I feel like reading about mathematics I look for a book that can give me a general idea of the math, but that does not get technical (and therfore boring). I also the lives of mathematicians intereting.
Dunham's book fits the bill for excellent reading in mathematics. It has just enough meat to it so that I can get insights into various mathematical theories. However he never gets so technical that I falll asleep reading the material.
The best parts of the book are the discussions of the various mathematician's & the importance of the mathematical in question. Both form the bulk of the book & are witty & informative. After reading this book, you get the impression that the history of mathematics is filled with a collection of absentminded & colourful men. These parts of the book can be read & enjoyed with absolutely no understanding of the mathematics involved. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get some basic knowledge of mathematics & its history.
A fascinating look at the human side of math. - By: , 09 Oct 1998 With tremendous story telling skills as well as an understanding & appreciation of math, Dunham brings to life great personalities in the field. As much a fascinating biography of each mathematician as an exploration of their contributions, the book is colorful & informative. A page turner for the mathematicallly or historicallly inclined reader.
