The Fontana History of the Mathematical Sciences (Fontana history of science)

‘Brilliant: a most impressive scientific work [bearing] three remarkable assets: the work leads from the beginning of human history to the middle of the twentieth century and through all fields of mathematics including its applications. Stylistically, it combines the content of an encyclopaedia with the chronology of narrative. Finally, the work is based on an impressive use of critically analyzed literature One secures instruction and insight in equal measure, and is shown the interrelation of all the historical developments in
mathematics.’
PROFESSOR HANS WUSSING, University of Leipzig.

‘A useful book to have around for those seriously interested in the development of mathematics.’
New Scientist

A unique exploration of the development of mathematics, from the Ancient to the Modern world, by one of the world’s leading authorities in the field.

Beginning with the ancient Greeks and Chinese, The Fontana History of the Mathematical Sciences charts the growth of modern mathematics the science at the heart of all sciences.

This volume covers all the major aspects of the discipline, from early geometry, the growth of calculus and mechanics, the development of algebra, to the interplay between mathematics and modern physics and the evolution of ‘new’ branches such as statistics and probability.

Grattan-Guinness also covers the sometimes tense relations between mathematics and religion, the whole problem of mathematical ‘proof’, how mathematical brekathroughs occur and the role and importance of mathematics.