The great strength of this book is probably its wide coverage of practical applications of mathematics, especially in engineering and architecture. The Mathematical Gazette
Preface: Mathematics means everything to me... Wow Factor Mathematical Index Explained Introduction: Russian Sums in an English Pub, Circa 1946Chapter 1: The Most Ancient Mathematical LegendChapter 2: The First Two Great MathematiciansChapter 3: The Great Age of Grecian GeeksChapter 4: Archimedes - the Greatest Greek of Them AllChapter 5: The Glory That Was AlexandriaChapter 6: Total Eclipse of the GreeksChapter 7: Maths Origins, Far and WideChapter 8: Mathematics Was Never a ReligionChapter 9: Discovering the Unknown WorldChapter 10: The Huge Awakening and a New Age of Learning Chapter 11: The New Age of Mathematical DiscoveryChapter 12: How to Calculate Anything and EverythingChapter 13: A Mathematician With GravitasChapter 14: The Simple Mathematics That Underpins ScienceChapter 15: The Many Tentacles of MathematicsWow Factor Mathematical IndexBibliographyImage credits Index
Forty years ago, Johnny Ball wrote his first Think of a Number TV show, which opened the door to a whole new genre of programmes based on maths and science. He drew in audiences of all ages, and influenced a generation. While Johnny had no formal university experience in mathematics, he made it his hobby, and after being a drummer, comedian, comedy writer and TV presenter, he turned this into a second career, one that continues to this day. Today he lectures on mathematics and science to readers, viewers and listeners of all levels and ages.