The Math Book : From Pythagoras to the 57th Dimension

This updated bestseller, by a leading expert in the field, chronicles the advancement of math throughout history—from the ancient past to the future.

Math's infinite mysteries unfold in this updated edition of the award-winning The Math Book. Beginning millions of years ago with ancient “ant odometers,” and moving through time to our modern-day quest for higher dimensions, prolific polymath Clifford Pickover covers major milestones in mathematical history. Among the numerous concepts readers will encounter as they dip into this inviting anthology: cicada-generated prime numbers, magic squares, and the butterfly effect. Each topic is presented in a lavishly illustrated spread, including formulas and real-world applications of the theorems. This reissue includes four new entries: 2013 (Bounded Gaps Between Primes), 2015 (Erdős Discrepancy Problem Solved), 2016 (Sphere Packing in Dimension 8), and 2023 (Einstein Tiles and Beyond). Each topic is presented in a lavishly illustrated spread, including formulas and real-world applications of the theorems.