Little History of Mathematics

“It’s a pleasure to read the individual stories: the author’s lively narrative style successfully transports readers to the different eras and locations.”—Heinz Klaus Strick, Spektrum (Germany)“An optimistic and friendly survey of the history of mathematics.”—Jenna Lorenat, Annals of Science“[A] very enjoyable, well-written, and cleverly organized book. . . . A great read for many students who wish to get a vivid and balanced sense of modern history of mathematics.”—Thomas Morel, British Journal for the History of Mathematics“This is a triumph: a fascinating, fast-paced, vivid introduction to the ongoing story of how we came up with mathematics, the most under-appreciated success of human civilisation. Lawrence illuminates the lives and contributions of our cleverest and most creative minds with a deft touch that pulls the reader deep into their experience: it might be a little history, but it is a huge achievement.”—Michael Brooks, author of The Maths that Made Us  “If you want a readable whistle-stop tour of the past 32,000 years of mathematics, I can think of nothing better. This 'little history' is a great book. I particularly liked being shown the human side of the subject as well as its technical content. Buy it, read it, enjoy it!”—Ian Stewart, author of What's the Use?  “An engaging and informative journey through the history of mathematics.”—Steven Strogatz, author of Infinite Powers