A lively, accessible history of mathematics throughout the ages and across the globe
Mathematics is fundamental to our daily lives. Science, computing, economics—all aspects of modern life rely on some kind of maths. But how did our ancestors think about numbers? How did they use mathematics to explain and understand the world around them? Where do numbers even come from?
In this Little History, Snezana Lawrence traces the fascinating history of mathematics, from the Egyptians and Babylonians to Renaissance masters and enigma codebreakers. Like literature, music, or philosophy, mathematics has a rich history of breakthroughs, creativity and experimentation. And its story is a global one. We see Chinese Mathematical Art from 200 BCE, the invention of algebra in Baghdad’s House of Wisdom, and sangaku geometrical theorems at Japanese shrines. Lawrence goes beyond the familiar names of Newton and Pascal, exploring the prominent role women have played in the history of maths, including Emmy Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani.
About the Author
Snezana Lawrence works as a senior lecturer at Middlesex University, London, and was the chair of the History and Pedagogy of Mathematics International Study Group between 2020 and 2024. She is the author of The New Year’s Present from a Mathematician and editor of Mathematicians and Their Gods. She is on X as @snezanalawrence and @mathshistory.
Praise For…
“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)
“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
