Customer Reviews

History of Greek Mathematics: 1921 Edition (Studies Relating to Ancient Philosophy)

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"History of Greek Mathematics" is an excellent book(s).

This book is well-written.
This book is detailed with copious footnotes and an excellent index.
This book is a microscopic look at Greek math.
This book is a macroscopic look at Greek math.
This book covers math, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, people, geography, history, sociology, psychology, topography, international commerce, international relations, capitalism, architecture, and education,
This book can be read quickly or studied for years.

HOGM sat, pristine, on a remainder table. That would be cool to have on the bookshelf to amaze and intimidate. HOGM sat, pristine, on my bookshelf, untouched for several years. Then, one day, I picked it up and started to read. Wow, what a treat!

This is a microscopic and macroscopic study of the development of Greek mathematics. Heath traces the development of constants, equations, and individuals, and he explains how the geography, attitude, academies, commerce, and history of Greece helped advance their mathematics. Heath also explains how their alphabet [they had numbers; they used an letter with a number symbol attached to it] hindered their mathematics and forced them to concentrate of geometry which became their defining legacy in architecture and invention.

Even though he explains how many equations and constants were derived and tells the tales of the individuals involved, some equations' creations are still left to the mysteries of history.

Heath takes something that should be repulsive and makes it an entertaining, enlightening, and educational read. Even if you do not care about the constants and equations, Heath's tracking their paths through history is entertaining and amazing.

Once in awhile, Heath would slow the pace as he listed each iteration of an equation. While seemingly unimportant, he explains how each change in the equation's development reduced the error and led to the extremes of accuracy which we enjoy today.

If you abhor math, this book might not be for you. If you are anywhere in between "dislike math" and "love math" this book should enlighten and entertain.