From Zero to Infinity: What Makes Numbers Interesting (Spectrum Series) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "ZERO IS THE FIRST OF TEN SYMBOLS-the digits-with which we are able to represent any of an infinitude of numbers..." (more)
Key Phrases: fifth perfect number, constructible polygons, pentagonal numbers, Pierre Fermat, Disquisitiones Arithmeticae, Big Gee (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

No one today writes about mathematics and mathematicians with more grace, knowledge, skill, and clarity than Constance Reid. -- Martin Gardner, author of Mathematical Games

This book is a sequence of rare beauty, a drama built out of nothing but numbers—and imagination. -- Freeman Dyson, Institute for Advanced Study

This is one of the books that turned me on to math when I was in high school. Heartily recommended! -- Ian Stewart, author of Math Hysteria --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

From Zero to Infinity is a combination of number lore, number history, and sparkling descriptions of the simply stated but exceedingly difficult problems posed by the most ordinary numbers that first appeared in 1955 and has been kept in print continuously ever since. With the fifth edition this classic has been updated to report on advances in number theory over the last 50 years, including the proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem. Deceptively simple in style and structure, it is a book to which the reader will return again and again, gaining greater understanding and satisfaction with each reading. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Mathematical Assn of America; 4 Sub edition (April 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883855054
• ISBN-13: 978-0883855058
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,756,727 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Numbers being treated with respect, March 14, 2000

By	Charles Ashbacher "([e-mail])" (Marion, Iowa United States([e-mail])) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Few books capture the range and rapture of mathematics like this one. Even though only twelve numbers are discussed, (zero through 9, e and aleph-zero), many of the trials, tribulations and joys of numbers and their admirers comes through. The style cannot merely be described by the word clarity, as this is a work that can be read by virtually anyone, even though a lot of mathematics is presented.
With numbers being touched, almost lovingly fondled, rather than discussed, this book belongs in every library. And it should be read, and read, and read, . . .

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old but good writer, July 14, 2007

By	Wayne Ferrier "Wayne Ferrier" (Johnson City, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: From Zero to Infinity: What Makes Numbers Interesting (Paperback)

Constance Reid is one of those authors where I ended up buying everything she wrote. If you are advanced in mathematics she might be a tad elementary; but if you are an imbecile when it comes to mathematics as I am, you may find her interesting. It is number theory; however Reid's relationship with the little fellows seems to be more personal, more introspective than many number theorists.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good but needs to fix errors, August 12, 2007

By	R. WANG - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: From Zero to Infinity: What Makes Numbers Interesting (Paperback)

I found this book very pleasant to read; the practice questions at the end of each chapter are very interesting and encourages deep thoughts and further reading. However, the book contains quite a few errors, mostly typos , and I found the logic of particular chapters difficult to follow (for example, the narration jumps from one topic to another with only loose connection, as if it was merely for bringing up the unrelated but important topic). Overall I feel this book is entertaining to read, but contains errors that need to be fixed.