The Loom of God: Mathematical Tapestries at the Edge of Time: Pickover, Clifford A.: 9780306454110: Amazon.com: Books

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Clifford A. Pickover

The Loom of God: Mathematical Tapestries at the Edge of Time Hardcover – June 15, 1997

by Clifford A. Pickover (Author)

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From the mysterious cult of Pythagoras, to the awesome mechanics of Stonehenge, to the fearsome "gargoyles" and glorious fractals created on the computer screens of today, Pickover evokes the power of numbers and their connection with the search for the ultimate meaning of the universe. We learn that individuals through the ages have conjured numbers to predict the end of the world, to raise the dead, to find love, and to sway the outcome of wars. Even today, Pickover shows, serious mathematicians sometimes resort to mystical or religious reasoning when trying to convey the power of mathematics. Together we uncover mathematics in the most exquisite forms of nature - from the delicate shape of a spider web, to the curling spiral of a shell. We discover fractals in the branching patterns of blood vessels, plants, and mountain roots. And we grasp the power of a few simple concepts - including the gravitational constant and the speed of light - that control the destiny of the universe. Prepare yourself for a strange and often amusing journey. Let The Loom of God unlock the doors of your imagination through thought-provoking mysteries, puzzles, and problems on topics ranging from ancient Greek astronomy to Armageddon. A playground for computer hobbyists, an inspiring tome for science fiction aficionados, and an adventurous education for the curious in theology, astronomy, mathematics, and history, this book delivers a world of paradox and mystery. The Loom of God promises a creative, enticing, and unforgettable excursion along the vast tapestry, woven through history, of mathematics and the divine.

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Print length

296 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Plenum Press
Publication date

June 15, 1997
Dimensions

8 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches
ISBN-10

0306454114
ISBN-13

978-0306454110
Lexile measure

1110L
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Loom of God takes an entertaining, indeed playful, look at numbers and mathematical patterns and the mystical properties that have often been ascribed to them. Clifford Pickover takes you on a romp through numerological history, introducing both its characters (such as the great mathematician Pythagoras) and its concepts: triangle numbers, "perfect" numbers, Fibonnaci numbers, and more. Pickover describes how ancient--and sometimes no-so-ancient--cultures and religions interpreted the significance of various numbers; he examines the geometry of Stonehenge and considers the probability of earth's annihilation by collision with an asteroid. While many authors could chronicle the history of mathematics and its relationship with mysticism and religion, few could do it with the verve and flair that Pickover manages.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Plenum Press; First Edition (June 15, 1997)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0306454114
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0306454110
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1110L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 0.01 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,578,647 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,210 in Mathematical Logic
- #20,655 in Physics (Books)

Customer Reviews:
5

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Clifford A. Pickover

Clifford A. Pickover

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From my publisher:

Clifford A. Pickover received his Ph.D. from Yale University and is the author of over 30 books on such topics as computers and creativity, art, mathematics, black holes, religion, human behavior and intelligence, time travel, alien life, and science fiction.

Pickover is a prolific inventor with dozens of patents, is the associate editor for several journals, the author of colorful puzzle calendars, and puzzle contributor to magazines geared to children and adults.

WIRED magazine writes, "Bucky Fuller thought big, Arthur C. Clarke thinks big, but Cliff Pickover outdoes them both." According to The Los Angeles Times, "Pickover has published nearly a book a year in which he stretches the limits of computers, art and thought."

The Christian Science Monitor writes, "Pickover inspires a new generation of da Vincis to build unknown flying machines and create new Mona Lisas." Pickover's computer graphics have been featured on the cover of many popular magazines and on TV shows.

His web site, Pickover.Com, has received millions of visits. His Blog RealityCarnival.Com is one of his most popular sites.

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Its the art, the numbers and the story

Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2006

Rarely can you find a mathematical theme devloped in such a complete and beautiful way. The photographic content alone is priceless yet one goes into the story and inmediatly you start calculating. This is a book for all ages and a true collectors item.

One person found this helpful

Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2014

Verified Purchase

The math is very interesting and entertaining, but the conceit of framing the story around a "time traveling historian" accompanied by an alien assistant with diamond skin is silly and constantly pulls you out of the story. Would have been much better if it was written as a straight math and history book than a half assed Hitchhiker's Guide with extra math.

5 people found this helpful

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