A note on some recent mathematical histories/ A curious history of mathematics, by Joel Levy/ The universe in zero words, by Dana Mackenzie/17 equations that changed the world, by Ian Stewart/ Maths in 100 key breakthroughs, by Richard Elwes

摘要

Four of the popular maths history books published in the last few years are sure to give the general reader a detailed and wide-ranging overview of some of the most important mathematical concepts that have emerged ever since people were able to record mathematics. Each presents an engaging picture of the most influential thinkers in their fields, from Euclid to Einstein, and the reader will enjoy both true and mythical stories of how these figures lived. The accounts range from prosaic and continuous to more disjointed and selective, however they all convey the same message that maths is a beautiful and paramount tool for shaping and understanding the world around us, and will continue to be so for years to come.