The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics (Penguin mathematics) - Tapa blanda

'Like the crest of the peacock, like the gem on the head of a snake, so mathematics is at the head of all knowledge' - Vedanga Jyotisa (c. 500 BC). Most Westerners are unaware of the magnificent heritage of non-Western mathematics. However, as George Joseph makes clear, the Greeks were deeply influenced by the Egyptians and Babylonians, the Arabs made a major contribution, and India and China have an astounding range of successes to their credit. This expanded second edition includes a new preface and final section on those mathematical traditions not discussed in the first edition, as well as the latest findings in the field.

George Joseph was born in Kerala, southern India. He teaches in the Department of Economic Studies, University of Manchester. He has held visiting positions in Tanzania, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, and a Royal Society Visiting Fellowship (twice) in India, and has lectured all over the world.