Here is a sample of mathematics-related books that are new to Gleeson Library. To view additional titles, see New Mathematics Books on the library website.
Nik, the Maya Zero: The Mathematics, Culture, and Philosophy of Maya Numerals
“Nik, the Maya zero”—with an introduction by USF professor Aparna Venkatesan—explores the mathematical and astronomical knowledge of Maya culture through an English translation of José Mucía Batz Lem’s work. The book delves into the Maya concept of time and their unique interpretation of zero as a foundational point for numbers. It highlights the symbolic representation of time in Maya culture and presents zero not as “nothing,” but as the origin of positive and negative numbers. This translation aims to make Maya mathematical insights more accessible to a broader audience while preserving the original text’s conversational nature and exploring the philosophical implications of Maya numerals.
Beautiful Math: The Surprisingly Simple Ideas Behind the Digital Revolution in How We Live, Work, and Communicate“Beautiful Math” by Chris Bernhardt explores the mathematical foundations of the digital age. The book covers four main themes: information, communication, computation, and learning. Bernhardt uses simple mathematical models to reveal deep connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, explaining key ideas like information theory, digital-analog conversion, algorithms, and neural networks. The author aims to present these complex topics with minimal mathematics, making them accessible to a wide audience. Historical anecdotes provide context for technological developments. The book offers readers, regardless of their mathematical background, an engaging journey through the mathematical principles underlying our digital world.
Einstein’s Tutor: The Story of Emmy Noether and the Invention of Modern Physics
Emmy Noether, a mathematical genius, made groundbreaking contributions to science despite facing gender discrimination. Her work was crucial for Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity and led to “Noether’s Theorem,” fundamental to modern physics. Despite being denied opportunities given to male colleagues, Noether’s optimism and intellect allowed her to persevere. Her insights continue to amaze scientists a century later, highlighting both her exceptional talent and the detrimental effects of sexual prejudice in the sciences during the 20th century.
Vector: A Surprising Story of Space, Time, and Mathematical Transformation
“Vector” by Robyn Arianrhod explores the profound impact of vectors and tensors on scientific understanding. These mathematical tools, representing magnitude and direction, revolutionized physics and mathematics. The book traces their 5,000-year development, highlighting contributions from Maxwell, Einstein, Dirac, and Noether. Vectors and tensors enabled breakthroughs in electromagnetism, relativity, quantum field theory, and conservation laws. Their versatility extends beyond physics, facilitating modern technologies like search engines and GPS. Arianrhod’s work celebrates how these seemingly simple concepts transformed our ability to describe and explore multidimensional spaces, reshaping our perception of the universe.
Love Triangle: How Trigonometry Shapes the World
“Love Triangle” by Matt Parker is a captivating exploration of the triangle’s significance in our world. Parker argues that this simple shape underpins modern civilization, enabling everything from music recording to space exploration. Through personal anecdotes and historical tales, he demonstrates how triangles and trigonometry are essential to everyday life, technology, and art. The book offers a fresh perspective on a fundamental mathematical concept, answering the age-old question of why we need to learn trigonometry. Parker’s engaging narrative style makes complex ideas accessible, revealing the hidden triangular patterns that shape our world.
Adventures in Statistics: How We Live in a World of Numbers
“Adventures in Statistics: How We Live in a World of Numbers” explores the omnipresence of statistics in daily life, from medicine to sports. Rather than using complex formulas, the book employs storytelling through popular culture references to explain statistical concepts. It demystifies medical test accuracy, financial phenomena, and more. The author demonstrates how professionals across various fields utilize statistics, making the book relevant for a wide audience seeking to understand the numerical world around them.
Max Dehn: A Polyphonic Portrait
Max Dehn (1878-1952) was a pioneering mathematician known for his contributions to geometry and topology, and for solving one of Hilbert’s famous problems. This book chronicles Dehn’s life in three phases: his early career as Hilbert’s student, his leadership of a mathematical community in Frankfurt, and his escape from Nazi Germany to the United States, where he settled at Black Mountain College. The collection of essays explores Dehn’s mathematical influence, his travels, and his engagement with history and the arts, offering previously unpublished information about this remarkable scholar and teacher.
Cryptography“Cryptography” by Panos Louridas offers a comprehensive introduction to the art and science of keeping secrets. The book traces cryptography’s evolution from ancient roots to modern digital applications, explaining how it protects our communications. Louridas covers classical cryptography, symmetric and asymmetric methods, cryptographic protocols, and explores future developments like quantum cryptography. He emphasizes the growing importance of understanding cryptography in our digital age, where privacy concerns are paramount. The author connects cryptography to everyday life, making complex concepts accessible to non-specialists and highlighting its crucial role in computer security.
The Four Corners of Mathematics: A Brief History, from Pythagoras to Perelman
“The Four Corners of Mathematics” offers a comprehensive overview of mathematical history, focusing on key concepts in geometry, algebra, calculus, and topology. The book presents complex ideas through engaging visuals and intuitive explanations, making high-level mathematics accessible to readers with basic high school math knowledge. It features novel proofs of significant theorems, over 250 illustrations, and biographical sketches of influential mathematicians, including often overlooked female contributors and those who faced adversity. This approach provides a bird’s-eye view of mathematical development while delving into important results and methods.
Towards a Socially Just Mathematics Curriculum: A Theoretical and Practical Approach
“Towards a Socially Just Mathematics Curriculum” presents a pedagogical model for creating an inclusive and equitable mathematics education. The book, drawing from years of teaching experience, introduces learners to diverse cultures, challenges stereotypes, and uses mathematics to promote social justice. Divided into three parts, it covers translating theory into practice, applying the approach across educational levels, and reflecting on professional practice. The authors provide practical classroom applications and encourage readers to identify areas for improvement in their teaching. This essential resource is aimed at educators, from teachers to school leaders, who seek to create a more inclusive and socially just mathematics learning experience for all students.
Book summaries composed with AI-assistance.