15 best books on mathematics
Fermat's Enigma
What is Fermat's Enigma about?
Fermat's Last Theorem is a famous conundrum in the field of mathematics that has been capturing the attention of mathematicians for 350 years. In his book, Simon Singh explores the history behind this phenomenon, detailing how brilliant minds have struggled (and managed!) to prove the theorem. "Fermat's Enigma" is written in an accessible and inspiring manner, making it a great read not only to mathematicians, but to a broader audience.
The Man Who Knew Infinity
What is The Man Who Knew Infinity about?
The book “The Man Who Knew Infinity” will make you believe that everything is possible if you really want it and work hard for it. Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught man who surprised the world with his mathematical discoveries. At the same time, this guy had no formal education! This book is about the power of the mind, self-belief, and the struggle for recognition.
Gödel, Escher, Bach
What is Gödel, Escher, Bach about?
"Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid" (or commonly known as "GEB") explores the complex topics of consciousness, recursion, logical systems and much more. It uniquely combines music theory, number theory, and formal systems. This book is an engaging and intriguing interdisciplinary journey for all the people who like the unusual ways of thinking.
Zero
What is Zero about?
Have you ever reflected upon the significance of zero for math and science? "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" invites you to take a look at this mysterious concept through history and various disciplines. This book takes a complex and serious subject and presents it in a fascinating manner, helping you grasp the notion of zero better.
The Joy of X
What is The Joy of X about?
Steven H. Strogatz, an American mathematician, helps the readers explore the importance and applicability of math – even those who don’t really like this subject. You’ll find examples of how we use math in our daily life, and get familiarized with a more human side to the usage of numbers. It’s a great choice for people who are curious about science, math lovers, and those who want to broaden their perspective.
How Not to Be Wrong
What is How Not to Be Wrong about?
Jordan Ellenberg, the author of this book, says that math is the science of not being wrong. He advocates for viewing the world through the lens of mathematics and learning to see how numbers are connected to our lives. You don’t need to be a math expert to enjoy Ellenberg’s book – but you might want to become one after reading it!
In Pursuit of the Unknown
What is In Pursuit of the Unknown about?
Dive into this guide to the famous equations that have shaped the world of science. Ian Stewart introduces each of 17 equations in detail, providing their historical context and importance for the humankind. Some concepts might me more accessible than the others (like the Pythagoras’s Theorem we know from school), while others require more effort to grasp – but all of them are incredibly fascinating.
Love and Math
What is Love and Math about?
Edward Frenkel, UC Berkeley professor, helps the readers to discover (or rediscover) a more inspiring and deep side of mathematics. Frenkel underlines the beauty of math, as well as the importance of understanding numbers and how they are connected to our lives. This is a must-read for all the math enthusiasts and also a good choice for those who dislike math but are ready to open their mind to it.
Humble Pi
What is Humble Pi about?
We’ve all made mistakes on our school math tests at least once – and the consequences weren't globally tragic. But what happens with mathematical errors on a bigger scale? Humble Pi: A Comedy of Maths Errors is a fun and informative read about people using (and sometimes misusing) numbers, and how it can affect anyone.
Chaos: Making a New Science
What is Chaos: Making a New Science about?
Chaos theory studies the unpredictability of our world and helps us understand how dynamic systems work. James Gleick’s "Chaos" is a classic work on this subject, detailing unpredictability and the famous «butterfly effect». You are guaranteed to become captivated with the vast possibilities of our universe.
Beyond Infinity
What is Beyond Infinity about?
In a friendly and engaging tone, Eugenia Cheng takes readers on an adventure through the mathematical concept of infinity. Despite the abstract nature of the subject, the book uses easy to understand examples and stories. After reading it, you will find infinity less intimidating and more fascinating.
The Math Book
What is The Math Book about?
"The Math Book" covers the essential points of the history of math – the milestones that provide a wide context for math as we know it today. You’ll see mathematics as more than just numbers and complex calculations, with numerous people and processes involved. To enjoy this book, one does not have to be a math expert – it is engaging for people of various backgrounds.
Infinite Powers
What is Infinite Powers about?
Can calculus be an exciting and even fun subject? Steven Strogatz shares his love and understanding of numbers with readers, showing how calculus is connected to our world. You’ll find a historical context of this science, see the patterns of advanced knowledge, and learn why we couldn’t live in a modern era without calculus.
The Code Book
What is The Code Book about?
Cryptography is an ancient art of protecting secret information that is still used to this day. "The Code Book" depicts various forms of encrypting messages, from the most primitive to high-tech ones, and details the methods used to decipher them. Since codes and ciphers have played an influential role in many historical events, having even a basic understanding of them can broaden your perspective.
A Mathematician's Apology
What is A Mathematician's Apology about?
«A mathematician, like a painter or poet, is a maker of patterns» — Godfrey Harold Hardy, one of the most famous British mathematicians, writes about his view of math and life. It is an unusual memoir about math, in which Hardy shares his philosophy of being a mathematician and pursuing math for its own sake. Many professional mathematicians and math enthusiasts consider this classic book a must-read.
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