Numbers: The Universal Language [Paperback]

Denis Guedj (Author), Lory Frankel (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0810928450 | ISBN-13: 978-0810928459

This volume describes, in words and with artworks, the basic principles of numbers - arithmetic, whole numbers, natural numbers and the concepts of zero and infinity. It examines: how old numbers are and how they were developed; who invented algebra, geometry and calculus; how these ideas affect our daily lives; and the ways in which numbers have been used in art, music and other disciplines.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810928450
• ISBN-13: 978-0810928459
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,409,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, intriguing graphics, a gift for the curious, October 10, 1998

By 

John C. Dunbar (Sugar Land, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Numbers: The Universal Language (Paperback)

I bought this book while browsing at a bookstore. This is a great book about the history (and use of) numbers. What really stands out are the graphics. This is a full color book with lots and lots of historic documents, pictures, paintings, etc... revolving around numbers. Very interesting coverage of Mayan use of numbers. For example he shows all the various forms of the Mayan zero.

I've unfortunately ruined my copy of this book by underlining in it so heavily. Here's some sample copy:

"To India goes the credit for inventing the complete zero, with all the three functions of place notation, designation of quantity, and number. It first appears in manucscripts of the 5th century AD...." The author covers this topic of zero in about 2 pages of text... then goes on to show several beautiful pictures of the use of zero.

A following page covers infinity and it includes a full color picture of Plato debating Aristotle (Raphael fresco).

Did you know that the first zero was written in Babylon (before the 3rd century BC)? But, unfortunately they didn't use zero as a number itself... only as an unused digit. The Mayans sometime in the first 1000 years also developed a limited form of zero.

This is a most delightful book. I've used it to show children the beauty of numbers (oh... look at the abacus...). I've also learned more about our "numeric heritage" from this author. He's a professor of the history of science at Univ. of Paris. He's written other books along this line.

The book is one of a series called "Discovery" titles by Harry N. Abrams, Inc. I've not read any of the other titles. But by judging from their back flap listing... they probably are small, full color books having a low price with a scientific or historical bend.

This book is small enough to fit in your pants pocket if you force it (5" x 7" x 1/2"). This 175 page full color book is just the right size for lunch time reading. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the mathematically curious.

John Dunbar

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Mathematics Book That Will Change Your Life!, June 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Numbers: The Universal Language (Paperback)

Positional notation i.e Hindu(Arabic) is beautifully explained in this book like no other! The Photographs the artwork and the layout of the book make it even more readable. For anyone like myself that couldn't understand Mathematics at High School or University - primarily because your Teacher or Lecturer didn't understand it either should buy this book! It will open your eyes!

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Historical Book about Mathematics, December 1, 1999

By 

Teresa Witt (Pearland,TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Numbers: The Universal Language (Paperback)

I really enjoyed the history and the art in this book! I was also glad the author chose to put a Chronology at the end of the book. After reading it, it dawned on me that there are no famous women mathematicians! Is that true!

I am going to be teaching 9th grade Algebra soon and am looking forward to sharing this book with my future students. I would like to find some of the art used in this book to display in my classroom. If there are any ideas as to where some can be found, please feel free to email me. Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!