First published 2008
The digits 1 through 9 appear simple and familiar. We learned them first, and they seem distant from abstract mathematical complexities or multidimensional physics theories. Mathematician and science communicator Andrew Hodges demonstrates how each of these nine seemingly obvious numbers leads directly to discussions of Einstein, Gauss, quaternions, and golden sections, as well as Mozart, George Orwell, and life's meaning. Each chapter focuses on one number and unravels the intricate web of science, philosophy, and current events that depend on these first nine mathematical digits. Hodges transforms each numerical journey into a thrilling adventure where readers move seamlessly from astronomy to literature, quantum mechanics to fashion, thermodynamics to music. The book reveals countless curiosities while showing how the most basic numbers connect to the most sophisticated ideas across disciplines.
Genres: popular-science, non-fiction, mathematics, academic
Vibes: educational, informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: educational, informative
304 pages · Hardcover · Mondadori