Abacus and the Cross: The Story of the Pope Who Brought the Light of Science to the Dark Ages (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780465031443)

The medieval Catholic Church, widely considered a source of intolerance and inquisitorial fervor, was not anti-science during the Dark Ages -- in fact, the pope in the year 1000 was the leading mathematician and astronomer of his day. Called "The Scientist Pope," Gerbert of Aurillac rose from peasant beginnings to lead the church. By turns a teacher, traitor, kingmaker, and visionary, Gerbert is the first Christian known to teach math using the nine Arabic numerals and zero.

In The Abacus and the Cross, Nancy Marie Brown skillfully explores the new learning Gerbert brought to Europe. A fascinating narrative of one remarkable math teacher, The Abacus and the Cross will captivate readers of history, science, and religion alike.

Author: Nancy Marie Brown
ISBN-10: 0465031447
ISBN-13: 9780465031443
Publisher: Basic Books
Language: English
Published: 10/02/2012
Pages: 328
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.70h x 5.80w x 1.00d