The CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics [Hardcover]

Eric W. Weisstein (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0849396409 | ISBN-13: 978-0849396403 | Publication Date: November 25, 1998

The CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics is a compendium of mathematical definitions, formulas, figures, tabulations, and references. Its informal style makes it accessible to a broad spectrum of readers with a diverse range of mathematical backgrounds and interests. This fascinating, useful book draws connections to other areas of mathematics and science and demonstrates its actual implementation - providing a highly readable, distinctive text diverging from the all-too-frequent specialized jargon and dry, formal exposition.
Through its thousands of explicit examples, formulas, and derivations, The CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics gives the reader a flavor of the subject without getting lost in minutiae - stimulating his or her thirst for additional information and exploration.
This book serves as handbook, dictionary, and encyclopedia - extensively cross-linked and cross-referenced, not only to other related entries, but also to resources on the Internet. Standard mathematical references, combined with a few popular ones, are also given at the end of most entries, providing a resource for more reading and exploration.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I cannot praise the work too highly: Its vast scope and readability make the encyclopedia a great success. -- Robert Dickau

Impressive...I found it very interesting and spent time reading about a variety of topics for which I had very little background or knowledge...A valuable source of information... -- W.E. Schiesser, Lehigh University

From the Back Cover

The CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics is a compendium of mathematical definitions, formulas, figures, tabulations, and references. Its informal style makes it accessible to a broad spectrum of readers with a diverse range of mathematical backgrounds and interests. This fascinating, useful book draws connections to other areas of mathematics and science as well as demonstrates its actual implementation - providing a highly readable, distinctive text diverging from the all-too-frequent specialized jargon and dry formal exposition.

Through its thousands of explicit examples, formulas, and derivations, The CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics gives the reader a flavor of the subject without getting lost in minutiae - stimulating his or her thirst for additional information and exploration.

Features
*Offers concise, readable definitions
*Weaves mathematical connections through the physical sciences
*Supplies complete bibliographies following each entry
*Profiles a multidisciplinary approach regarding the use of mathematics
*Provides 110,000 cross-references to other topics and sources, including many sites on the Internet - a unique highlight among mathematics books
*Contains more 3,000 illustrations, equations, figures, derivations, and graphics

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1984 pages
• Publisher: CRC Press (November 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849396409
• ISBN-13: 978-0849396403
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 3.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #743,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Having a fundamental issue with purchasing this book., January 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics (Hardcover)

After reading the account of the author's legal problems brought
on by the publisher, I cannot bring myself to purchase a copy
of the book. This book, together Eric's experiences, amount
to a significant turning point in the history of the relationship
between an author and his publisher. It stands as an example of
how corporations have become entirely too powerful against an
individual. It is inconcievable that such circumstances have prevailed. The worst part is that the publisher's actions will continue to stifle development of the work!

82 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Support Eric Weisstein but DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK, September 9, 2005

By 

Alexander C. Zorach "Alex Zorach" (Lancaster, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics, Second Edition (Hardcover)

This book is the centerpiece of a very scary and disturbing legal altercation in which the publisher, CRC Press LLC, basically tried to strong-arm Eric W. Weisstein into gaining complete control over the material on his mathworld website, after he signed a contract for them to publish this book, which is essentially a snapshot of the material.

I would urge everyone to show personal support for Eric W. Weisstein in whatever way possible--donations are a great idea. However, by buying this book you are supporting a company that is greedy and downright creepy. You're also encouraging other companies to do the same.

We need to show the publishing industry that greed does not pay--and one great way of doing that is by not buying this book.

108 of 117 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Content ... but Its also Available Free, June 3, 2004

By 

Mr AI "aideveloper" (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics, Second Edition (Hardcover)

I'm not giving this book 1 star because its a bad book! I'm giving this book 1 star because you shouldn't under any circumstances buy it (in my opinion of course).

The book is a compilation of the mathematical artices compiled by Weisstein over many years. It is the most complete collection of introductory mathematics you can imagine, with ever expanding detail, and contributions from a large number of different writers. I could effuse about the content for hours: it has saved my mathematical bacon on very many occasions, and remains my major reference to new areas of math. This book, while being a new edition, still only contains a small fraction of Eric's content.

The complete contents of this book, instantly and easily searchable, with cross references, links to other topics and sites, and incorporating animations is all available at the mathword.wolfram.com website. It is all available free of charge, and is constantly edited and updated. In addition, a huge amount of extra material is there which couldn't be contained in this book.

A previous reviewer alluded to the fact that Eric, when trying to publish his website (which was always a website, long before he signed the deal for the book, and was given special dispensation in the publishing contract), was sued by the publisher of this book and told to take his site down. Although I can see it from the publishers point of view, their attitude towards this key resource was undoubtedly callous and cynical.

I'd really recommend you use his excellent website. If you feel bad that Eric isn't getting his royalty from your purchase: send him a cheque for $5.