Mathematics
The Marvellous Mathematics Reading List
Mathematics is everywhere! We have a new collection of highly regarded books about weird and wonderful aspects of mathematics. From ancient counting methods across cultures to modern-day applications, from the people who solved the big problems to how you can better solve puzzles, this list of books is the solution you need.
“Curious: Life Hacks Through Maths” by Lily Serna (as seen on Letters and Numbers and Catalyst) shows how maths can help you to kick the perfect penalty goal, win an argument, impress your friends and spot fake news? With easy-to-understand maths logic, simple psychology and engaging anecdotes from her own life, mathematician Lily Serna shows us that maths can unlock the secrets of the universe. She wants to help all of us - especially the maths phobic!
This book is written for a very broad audience. “WHY MINUS TIMES MINUS IS PLUS: The very basic mathematics of real and complex numbers” is written by Nils K. Oeijord. There are no particular prerequisites for reading this book. The book is rigorous and self-contained. All results are proved (or the proofs are optional exercises) and stated as theorems. Important points are covered by examples and optional exercises.
If you're looking for a history lesson, Tobias Dantzig's "Number: The Language of Science" will take you on a journey through time, showing how math has evolved from prehistoric times to the modern era.
"Euclid's Window" by Leonard Mlodinow explains how geometry is the key to understanding the universe.
Math isn't just about boring computations! In "What's the Use?" Ian Stewart demonstrates how math offers new and profound insights into our world, allowing us to accomplish feats as significant as space exploration and organ donation.
For those curious about the everyday applications of math, "Why Do Buses Come in Threes?" by Rob Eastaway and Jeremy Wyndham explores intriguing mathematical problems that are relevant to almost everything we do, from cooking to dating to gambling (and gambling is something best to avoid!).
If you're looking for something more hands-on, "Algorithmic Puzzles" by Anany Levitin and Maria Levitin offers a range of puzzles at different levels of difficulty to develop your algorithmic problem-solving skills.
For those who want to dive deeper, "Journey Through Genius" by William Dunham delves into the human stories behind great mathematical theorems.
"How to Solve It" by G. Polya provides strategies for mathematical problem-solving that will get to the bottom of any puzzle.
"Ethnomathematics" by Arthur B. Powell and Marilyn Frankenstein challenges the Eurocentrism that permeates mathematics education and presents the emerging field of ethnomathematics from a critical perspective.