A History of Mathematics: An Introduction

by Victor J. Katz

This text grew from the authors' conviction that both prospective school teachers and college teachers of maths need a background in history to be more effective as instructors in the classroom. Prospective instructors gain an appreciation of the contributions of all cultures, and this text explains how mathematics developed over the centuries. Also suitable for those studying maths and science at degree level.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0673380394
• ISBN13: 9780673380395
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Addison Wesley Publishing Company
• Length: 786 Pages
• Weight: 3.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 8.2" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

A History of Mathematics

The book was in good condition just like the description said. I was satisfied with my purchase.

Excellent, will buy again!

The book is in immaculate condition and the shipping was very fast. Very pleased and will definitely buy again.

That's because it's a HISTORY book (and good one!)

It's probably bad form to write a review of a review, but I was a little chapped at reading a previous reader's complaint that this book wasn't well suited for teaching mathematics. That's sort of like complaining that your microwave oven doesn't also play DVD's; it wasn't INTENDED to do that, and this book wasn't intended to be a math text - it's a HISTORY of mathematics, just like the title says (duh). The many fine points of the text have already been discussed in previous reviews. The single drawback of the book is its price, which might put it beyond reach of some who would like to own it. However, it certainly is worth the bucks, as it's probably the best historical overview of mathematics to be found.

a brief opinion

As a phd student in economics, the study of mathematics is more than a parallel, it is a symmetrical relationship. In the study of mathematics, further appreciation of its tools and meaning can be better appreciated in an understanding of its roots and the needs of such tools. This book offers that and more. It is thorough yet comprehendible to even the casual student of mathematics. It should be considered the premier text on the subject of mathematical history as well as a wonderfully written text of reference. A+++!

Maybe the best general history of math available

This book is excellent. It provides a general view of mathematics evolution that both discusses the mathematical formulation of the problems and the historic details. It is organized as a textbook, but it is interesting to read or to use as reference. For me, one of the most gratifying features was the cross cultural details that went beyond the so common vague and politically correct lip service and actually referred the content of often-forgotten important contributors.It is interesting, for instance, to see correct and detailed references to Pedro Nunes and other mathematicians of the Discoveries time, and the relation between geometric developments and navigation problems.