
Mathematics
A Very Short Introduction
Timothy Gowers(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 22. August 2002
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-0-19-285361-5 (ISBN)
Description
The aim of this book is to explain, carefully but not technically, the differences between advanced, research-level mathematics, and the sort of mathematics we learn at school. The most fundamental differences are philosophical, and readers of this book will emerge with a clearer understanding of paradoxical-sounding concepts such as infinity, curved space, and imaginary numbers. The first few chapters are about general aspects of mathematical thought. These are followed by discussions of more specific topics, and the book closes with a chapter answering common sociological questions about the mathematical community (such as "Is it true that mathematicians burn out at the age of 25?")
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Reviews / Votes
a marvellously lucid guide to the beauty and mystery of numbers * Gilbert Adair *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
People who regret not learning more mathematics; people who are fascinated by popular science books, but are left wishing they understood them better; people contemplating doing a mathematics-related degree; people who would like to talk about mathematics in an informed way without having to learn technical details.
Illustrations
1 halftone and numerous figures
Dimensions
Height: 174 mm
Width: 113 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
138 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-285361-5 (9780192853615)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Timothy Gowers is Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University and was a recipient of a Fields Medal for Mathematics in 1998, awarded for 'the most daring, profound and stimulating research done by young mathematicians'.
Content
1. Models ; 2. Numbers and Abstraction ; 3. Proofs ; 4. Limits and Infinity ; 5. Dimension ; 6. Geometry ; 7. Estimates and Approximates ; 8. Frequently Asked Questions