Curves for the Mathematically Curious: An Anthology of the Unpredictable, Historical, Beautiful, and Romantic (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780691180052)

Ten amazing curves personally selected by one of today's most important math writers

Curves for the Mathematically Curious is a thoughtfully curated collection of ten mathematical curves, selected by Julian Havil for their significance, mathematical interest, and beauty. Each chapter gives an account of the history and definition of one curve, providing a glimpse into the elegant and often surprising mathematics involved in its creation and evolution. In telling the ten stories, Havil introduces many mathematicians and other innovators, some whose fame has withstood the passing of years and others who have slipped into comparative obscurity. You will meet Pierre B騷ier, who is known for his ubiquitous and eponymous curves, and Adolphe Quetelet, who trumpeted the ubiquity of the normal curve but whose name now hides behind the modern body mass index. These and other ingenious thinkers engaged with the challenges, incongruities, and insights to be found in these remarkable curves--and now you can share in this adventure.

Curves for the Mathematically Curious is a rigorous and enriching mathematical experience for anyone interested in curves, and the book is designed so that readers who choose can follow the details with pencil and paper. Every curve has a story worth telling.

Author: Julian Havil
ISBN-10: 0691180059
ISBN-13: 9780691180052
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Language: English
Published: 10/15/2019
Pages: 280
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.40h x 6.30w x 1.00d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 04/01/2020