Curves for the Mathematically Curious: An Anthology of the Unpredictable, Historical, Beautiful, and Romantic...

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Julian Havil

Curves for the Mathematically Curious

An Anthology of the Unpredictable, Historical, Beautiful, and Romantic

Julian Havil

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English

Princeton University Press
01 April 2022

Mathematics & Sciences; Philosophy of mathematics; Geometry; Topology; History of mathematics; Popular science

Curves for the Mathematically Curious is a thoughtfully curated collection of ten mathematical curves, selected by Julian Havil for their significance, mathematical interest, and beauty. Each chapter gives an account of the history and definition of one curve, providing a glimpse into the elegant and often surprising mathematics involved in its creation and evolution. In telling the ten stories, Havil introduces many mathematicians and other innovators, some whose fame has withstood the passing of years and others who have slipped into comparative obscurity. You will meet Pierre Bzier, who is known for his ubiquitous and eponymous curves, and Adolphe Quetelet, who trumpeted the ubiquity of the normal curve but whose name now hides behind the modern body mass index. These and other ingenious thinkers engaged with the challenges, incongruities, and insights to be found in these remarkable curves - and now you can share in this adventure.

Curves for the Mathematically Curious is a rigorous and enriching mathematical experience for anyone interested in curves, and the book is designed so that readers who choose can follow the details with pencil and paper. Every curve has a story worth telling.

'This is not your father's

or grandfather's

standard collection of conic sections.' - Jim Stein, New Books Network

'Undoubtedly [this book], written in the same entertaining unmistakable style of the author and containing a lot of information - mathematical, historical and general - will attract, as the previous ones, a large audience.' - S. Cobzas, Studia Mathematica

'What a beautiful book!' - Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica.org

'A wonderful addition to libraries where the mathematically curious find their reading.' - Choice

'Havil's narrative for each curve is a cornucopia of fun facts and rigorous explanation.' - Andrew J. Simoson, Mathematical Intelligence

By: Julian Havil
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 203mm, Width: 133mm,
ISBN: 9780691206134
ISBN 10: 0691206139
Pages: 280
Publication Date: 01 April 2022
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Julian Havil is the author of John Napier: Life, Logarithms, and Legacy; The Irrationals: A Story of the Numbers You Can't Count On; Impossible? Surprising Solutions to Counterintuitive Conundrums; Nonplussed! Mathematical Proof of Implausible Ideas; and Gamma: Exploring Euler's Constant (all Princeton). He is a retired former master at Winchester College, England, where he taught mathematics for more than three decades.

Reviews for Curves for the Mathematically Curious: An Anthology of the Unpredictable, Historical, Beautiful, and Romantic

Undoubtedly [this book], written in the same entertaining unmistakable style of the author and containing a lot of information - mathematical, historical and general - will attract, as the previous ones, a large audience. ---S. Cobzas, Studia Mathematica A wonderful addition to libraries where the mathematically curious find their reading. * Choice * Havil's narrative for each curve is a cornucopia of fun facts and rigorous explanation. ---Andrew J. Simoson, Mathematical Intelligencer This is not your father's - or grandfather's - standard collection of conic sections. ---Jim Stein, New Books Network What a beautiful book! ---Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica.org