The Loom of God
Tapestries of Mathematics and Mysticism
Published on 1. May 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-1-4027-6400-4 (ISBN)
Description
From the mysterious cult of Pythagoras and the awesome mechanics of Stonehenge to the 'gargoyles' and fractals on today's computers, mathematics has always been a powerful, even divine force in the world. In a lively, intelligent synthesis of maths, mysticism and science fiction, Clifford Pickover explains the eternal magic of numbers. Taking a uniquely humorous approach, he appoints the reader 'Chief Historian' of an intergalactic museum who must travel, along with a quirky cast of characters, hurtling through the ages to explore how individuals used numbers for such purposes as predicting the end of the world, finding love and winning wars.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Union Square & Co.
Illustrations
b/w throughout, includes illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 187 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-4027-6400-4 (9781402764004)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
08/2010
Union Square & Co.
€5.99
Available for download
Person
Clifford A. Pickover graduated with a PhD in Biophysics and Biochemistry. He has written dozens of books and hundreds of articles and for many years was the lead columnist for Discover magazine's "Brain-Boggler." Currently, he writes the "Brain Strain" column for Odyssey, is associate editor for the scientific journal Computers and Graphics and serves on the editorial board for Odyssey, Leonardo and YLEM.