Buy new:
-54% $15.94
FREE delivery Monday, July 1 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$15.94 with 54 percent savings
List Price: $35.00

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, July 1 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Friday, June 28. Order within 5 hrs 54 mins
Only 14 left in stock (more on the way).
$$15.94 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$15.94
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.

Return instructions

Item must be in original condition and packaging along with tag, accessories, manuals, and inserts. Unlock any electronic device, delete your account and remove all personal information.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$14.33
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime! Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime! See less
FREE delivery Friday, July 5 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Friday, June 28. Order within 10 hrs 9 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$15.94 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$15.94
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Morris Kline
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Mathematics and the Physical World (Dover Books on Mathematics) Reissue Edition

by Morris Kline (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 78 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$15.94","priceAmount":15.94,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"15","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"94","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"v4NaCMW%2FLzSzECv5JeGVCHOEBjsDCvzEZ%2BUGxm8rTnKfPiDV%2B7t9bHUT%2F2vfYSGarKtR6IiVyRTDDRcy0SvQJQFXjt0gu0kpf6nlFwQinqlxgn5nBt076j3jgFSmtQ8IN%2FW5MaycO7I%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$14.33","priceAmount":14.33,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"33","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"v4NaCMW%2FLzSzECv5JeGVCHOEBjsDCvzEIyvS%2BsU8xz97iFQyAx1MsmXE0xk2Z%2BzKnUQNcTvz1eFGaviqc7wL%2FNHH%2FNLQhKbMnx3TrHnEm0RR2vVD9gjUnCLxfZpMo5tYHBqOBicM1i37TXZfMfbJWk43NZLOqufjmBHaHL5dt5aex%2B9n3GguXTbSkxjfO%2Fzd","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

"Kline is a first-class teacher and an able writer. . . . This is an enlarging and a brilliant book." ― Scientific American
"Dr. Morris Kline has succeeded brilliantly in explaining the nature of much that is basic in math, and how it is used in science." ― San Francisco ChronicleSince the major branches of mathematics grew and expanded in conjunction with science, the most effective way to appreciate and understand mathematics is in terms of the study of nature. Unfortunately, the relationship of mathematics to the study of nature is neglected in dry, technique-oriented textbooks, and it has remained for Professor Morris Kline to describe the simultaneous growth of mathematics and the physical sciences in this remarkable book. In a manner that reflects both erudition and enthusiasm, the author provides a stimulating account of the development of basic mathematics from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, to calculus, differential equations, and the non-Euclidean geometries. At the same time, Dr. Kline shows how mathematics is used in optics, astronomy, motion under the law of gravitation, acoustics, electromagnetism, and other phenomena. Historical and biographical materials are also included, while mathematical notation has been kept to a minimum.
This is an excellent presentation of mathematical ideas from the time of the Greeks to the modern era. It will be of great interest to the mathematically inclined high school and college student, as well as to any reader who wants to understand ― perhaps for the first time ― the true greatness of mathematical achievements.
Previous slide of product details
  1. ISBN-10
    0486241041
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0486241043
  3. Edition
    Reissue
  4. Publisher
    Dover Publications
  5. Publication date
    March 1, 1981
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    5.75 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  8. Print length
    512 pages
  9. See all details
Next slide of product details
Books with Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Frequently bought together

Mathematics and the Physical World (Dover Books on Mathematics)
$15.94
Get it as soon as Monday, Jul 1
Only 14 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach (Second Edition) (Dover Books on Mathematics)
$30.01
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 2
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Control
One of these items ships sooner than the other.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications; Reissue edition (March 1, 1981)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 512 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486241041
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486241043
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 78 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Morris Kline

Morris Kline

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Morris Kline (May 1, 1908 – June 10, 1992) was a Professor of Mathematics, a writer on the history, philosophy, and teaching of mathematics, and also a popularizer of mathematical subjects.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
We don’t use a simple average to calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star. Our system gives more weight to certain factors—including how recent the review is and if the reviewer bought it on Amazon. Learn more
78 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

LuvTechBooks
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book for a great foundation in math
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2014
Verified Purchase
I studied Chemical Engineering as an undergraduate and got to see more than my fair share of mathematics during that time. I got through the program, but there were a lot of fragmented mathematical concepts in my mind. Ten years after graduation I'm finding an interest in revisiting old math textbooks and this book has been a godsend. For me, it shows how the various fields of math fit together. There are just enough anecdotes to make the overall concepts memorable. Morris is a great writer and it feels like he is on your team as he explains the concepts. I started tutoring my 10 year old nephew and I'm taking lessons from this book to make sure he has a sound foundation for more advanced concepts later on. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it highly.
12 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Where Else Can You Go from High School Math to Differential Equations?
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2013
Verified Purchase
Sure, the examples can be dated (like an $1,800 annual salary being good, and a planet with a 2 Billion population), but NO other old or current text explains math as clearly. The teaching methods are timeless and unique.

Simple example. We've all seen dozens of ways to explain the first derivative (the rate of change) of say x^2 as 2x. These range from slope finding to falling objects to matrices. But nearly all I've seen assume a curve, tangents, etc. Kline blows the mind with a rarely seen example-- a circle!

He simply "animates" the circle and asks you to mentally extend the radius as it turns in the area-clock like the minute hand, only the size of the circumference. He then points out that the first derivative, the rate of change, is like extending the radius a bit, which "sweeps" out a larger circumference. Then he points out that y' in that case changes (pi)r^2 to 2(pi)r, instantly connecting radius, area and circumference in motion!

This may seem trivial until we remember that Feynman used the same clock face example to explain quantum mechanics verbally, which blew the math community away at the time. In fact, connecting Kline's example with Feynman's gives some really interesting "aha" moments of new understanding.

The whole book is like this, with many fun stories of how math reflects the natural world. You'll be amazed at the level of math he gets into with such simple assumptions as "very little math knowledge" before beginning. I mean, ALL applied math texts assume a LOT of math to begin. This is truly a rare gem, and a find for any High School STEM teacher wanting a real bridge to advanced concepts. Highly recommended, even in 2013 plus...
26 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mr. Wakefield
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable and informative book about the scientific roots of much mathematics.
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2017
Verified Purchase
You can pay a lot of money for a book that doesn't cover the subject as well as Kline's. The heart of the book is its presentation of the historical scientific contexts of mathematical developments. The math is at the high school level and clearly presented. Kline's writing is not flashy; it is simple and lucid, great qualities for a book like this.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars BAD OCR SCAN; Otherwise, EXCELLENT and A JOY TO READ.
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2013
Verified Purchase
Excellent work. Very enjoyable read. Exellent for those studying history of math and science. Poor execution of port from print to digital: frequent errors that appear to be generated by an OCR scan that wasn't thoroughly proofed, which probably won't trip up math veterans. I'm about 30% through with it and will update this review if warranted.
Helpful
 Report
John A. Testelin
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for those who do not like math
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2016
Verified Purchase
For the one who loves history of math and science, it's a must. I always enjoyed reading Morris Kline and his vision of math as tool to decipher the world. I always also approved his way and his vision regarding math teaching.
What is very interesting is that mathematician developed concepts before others could find a field of application. It's like inventing a tool for a machine which doesn't exist yet. It's a part of the mystery of the human mind. I do not remember who wrote: "God is subtle!".
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Sustainable Fuels
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You Dover Books!
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2014
Verified Purchase
I highly recommend both Mathematics and the Physical World" as well as "Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach" both of which were authored long ago by Morris Kline. If you are looking for a refresher or an aid for a current class, Kline's books will prove highly valuable. The only way I was able to read both of these books is through the efforts of Dover, who has been reissuing out of print science and math books for many years. I was very happy to see that Dover is making at least some of these available in Kindle format.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
L.S. Chang
3.0 out of 5 stars Good way to pass the time, I guess
Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2013
Verified Purchase
I bought this book because I was impressed with Morris Kline's "big" book, Calculus: A physical and intuitive approach. But I did not learn much from this book in question since Kline already provided in depth explanations in his calculus book. I also have bought Morris Kline's Mathematics for the Non-mathematician, and a lot of the material mentioned in that book is repeated here, which made reading this particular book a rather dull experience. This book is only useful for the lessons in the history of mathematics it provides. If you seek mathematical uplift and you have considerable math experience, I would suggest you buy Kline's calculus book instead, which also goes through basic physics very well.
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Fadel Elias Khudadeh
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book explains math in a very clear way, and connects it to reality. A feature which most math books lack.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Mr. Charles Russell
5.0 out of 5 stars A lesson in the learning.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2022
Verified Purchase
I would recommend this book to anyone with a curious mind as to how he/she could ever possibly be here to read it. In short, it’s a step by step presentation of one’s understanding why the way things are as a consequence of physical systems that exist from mathematics. It embraces all the heroes and shows them in the light of ordinary but exceptional persons who are the leading light of our journey through a dark passage with only a stick to guide us.
Report
Prabuddha Ghosh
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece!
Reviewed in India on July 27, 2019
Verified Purchase
To unravel Nature and her designs you need to know the language she communicates with. This book is a testimony to that effort. Lucid and brilliantly written with the history on how we learnt the language step by step. A must read for anyone who wishes to be mathematically literate.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Sayan Datta
1.0 out of 5 stars Poor print quality for the price
Reviewed in India on February 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
Don't remember Dover's print quality this degraded!
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Rekindle your interest in maths
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2014
Verified Purchase
Wonderful writing and clarity. A great way for the everyman to renew an interest in the maths behind the real world. Of course, a bit dated (log tables - remember those!) and wouldn't it be wonderful if their were a successor to Professor Kline capable of writing a modern update of this wonderful book
3 people found this helpful
 Report
doug hone
4.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Read
Reviewed in Canada on January 27, 2018
Verified Purchase
I went into this book with an open mind, not really sure what lay in store. It is an interesting book but I didn't find it as enjoyable as some of the recreational math books I've read. perhaps a rereading might be required.
Report