From Five Fingers to Infinity: A Journey Through the History of Mathematics [Paperback]

Frank J. Swetz (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1994

This is a gripping account, full of surprises, of one of the greatest adventures in human thought, and at the same time a user-friendly introduction to many vital mathematical concepts. It is a global survey of the history of mathematics, suitable for people with no background in mathematics, as well as for the more informed reader or teacher. "From Five Fingers to Infinity" tells the story of the history of mathematics in the form of 114 articles, organised in a chronological and thematic manner. Together the articles cover all the most important areas, and can be read as a consistent narrative history. The articles are best by writers such as Carl Boyer, Howard Eves, Morris Kline, and Dirk Struik. Among the distinctive features of this volume are a multicultural treatment, with consideration of the mathematical accomplishments of traditional peoples, native Americans and others, not usually discussed in histories of mathematics; actual translations from early groundbreaking mathematical texts; a comprehensive review of Babylonian mathematical achievements; a sensitivity to the social and cultural context of mathematical endeavours; over 300 illustrations, and 18 "historical exhibits"; and informative introductions and pointers and extensive bibliographical information. Each article is short and self-contained. "From Five Fingers to Infinity" has been conceived and designed for three uses: enjoyable personal reading; as a general reference on the history of mathematics; and as a classroom text.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From Five Fingers to Infinity: A Journey Through the History of Mathematics is a gripping account, full of surprises, of one of the greatest adventures in human thought, and at the same time a user-friendly introduction to many vital and fascinating mathematical concepts. It is a global survey of the history of mathematics, suitable for people with no background in mathematics as well as for the more informed reader. From Five Fingers to Infinity tells the story of the history of mathematics in the form of 114 popularly conceived and entertainingly written articles, organized in a chronological and thematic manner. The articles are culled from the best and most approachable pieces ever written in this are by such well-known writers as Carl Boyer, Howard Eves, Morris Kline, and Dirk Struik. Others are real gems by lesser-known writers, which Frank Swetz has found in his exhaustive search of the literature. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 704 pages
• Publisher: Open Court Pub Co; 1st edition (June 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812691946
• ISBN-13: 978-0812691948
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #608,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Much of my research and writing focuses on clarifyingg and answering the questions of'Why?' and 'How?' mathematics came into being and is used by society. This quest of attempting to understand societal impact on mathematics has led me to explore the history of mathematics, ethnomathematics and the subject of problem solving. My books are journals of my findings and conclusions.They are written to share my understandings with a wider audience.I am a firm believer that the teaching of mathematics, at all levels, should reflect the human involvement with the subject.Hopefully,some of my reading audience will be convinced to continue and extend this quest of understanding the associations of mathematics with human society.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for any high-school math teacher, August 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: From Five Fingers to Infinity: A Journey Through the History of Mathematics (Hardcover)

I read this book during the summer, and I know it will help my teaching. The amount of historical information this book contains is extraordinary, and I truly believe that this would be a valuable resource to any high school math teacher looking to make a class more interesting, more alive. Get the book!