The Pleasures of Counting
The Pleasures of Counting
$73.99
USDWhat is the connection between the outbreak of cholera in Victorian Soho, the Battle of the Atlantic, African Eve and the design of anchors? One answer is that they are all examples chosen by Dr Tom Körner to show how a little mathematics can shed light on the world around us, and deepen our understanding of it. Dr Körner, an experienced author, describes a variety of topics which continue to interest professional mathematicians, like him. He does this using relatively simple terms and ideas, yet confronting difficulties (which are often the starting point for new discoveries) and avoiding condescension. If you have ever wondered what it is that mathematicians do, and how they go about it, then read on. If you are a mathematician wanting to explain to others how you spend your working days (and nights), then seek inspiration here.
- Very successful author
- Does not require university-level mathematics
- Not only explains what mathematics is about, but also how it's done
- Lots of amusing and illustrative examples drawn from real world
Reviews & endorsements
"Körner provides interesting insights to the solving of Enigma messages and cryptology generally, and to other fascinating non-cryptologic subjects." Cryptologia
"This extremely enjoyable book aims to introduce the casual or 'mathematics for poets' reader to some interesting ways in which mathematics arises in the real world...contains a large number of entertaing anecdotes and quotations, especially about military history, as well as a list of recommendations for further reading and full source of information about the quotations." J.S. Joel, Mathematical Reviews
"Korner provides interesting insights to the solving of Enigma messages and cryptology generally, and to other fascinating non-cryptologic subjects." Cryptologia
"Korner, is an experienced teacher, and he has written his book in the expectation that once snared by mathematics, the reader will be forever enslaved....It is an entirely commendable project, one that Korner executes very well." David Berlinski, The Sciences
"...a wonderful book, a must for all those interested in mathematics and a treasure trove for those who want to enthuse future generations of youngsters for the beauty of our field." Paul Embrechts, JASA
Product details
December 1996Paperback
9780521568234
546 pages
244 × 185 × 30 mm
1.06kg
74 b/w illus. 37 tables 170 music examples 170 exercises
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Part I. The Uses of Abstraction:
- 1. Unfeeling statistics
- 2. Prelude to a battle
- 3. Blackett
- 4. Aircraft versus submarine
- Part II. Meditations on Measurement:
- 5. Biology in a darkened room
- 6. Physics in a darkened room
- 7. Subtle is the Lord
- 8. A Quaker mathematician
- 9. Richardson on war
- Part III. The Pleasures of Computation:
- 10. Some classic algorithms
- 11. Some modern algorithms
- 12. Deeper matters
- 13. Enigma
- 14. The Poles
- 15. Bletchley
- 16. Echoes
- Part IV. The Pleasures of Thought:
- 17. Time and chance
- 18. Two mathematics lessons
- 19. Last thoughts
- Appendix A. Further reading
- Appendix B. Sources
- Appendix C. Some notations
- Bibliography
- Index.
