Mathematical Thought from Ancient to Modern Times, Vol. 3

Great purchase.

Morris Kline is one of the best math writers of all time. His books are intended for folks with only the most basic math, and he then uses physical and intuitive analogies to explain what's going on "beneath" the equations. MANY of his books are now available in inexpensive Dover editions like this one, just put Morris Kline in the search bar at the top of any Amazon page! This book starts with "modern" topics like projective geometry after leaving off with calculus in the second volume. Like his intuitive calculus book, it also reads like an adventure novel! This is a MUST buy if you're interested in the history of math. His Mathematics and the Physical World book ( Mathematics and the Physical World (Dover books explaining science) ) is one of the all time best introductions to advanced math ever written, from High School to beginning undergrad. ALL his books make any other text MUCH more clear, due to his wonderful "real world" examples and palpable enthusiasm. The cool thing is that, unlike his books written in the 60's, this volume was 1990, just at the "reincarnation" of projective geometry and other "historical" math phenomena like quaternions, in new trends like video games and 3D computer animation. Still very relevant, and one of the best ways to learn more advanced math, due to Kline's wonderful teaching style, intuitive explanations, and comparisons with "everyday" physical happenings that FINALLY (at least in my case) helps you get what that equation really "means!" If you see reviews trashing this or any other math book due to Kindle, don't fault the book! In general ALL e-readers (not just Kindle) still have trouble with LaTex, especially older "scanned" texts! If the book has complex exponential equations, just assume they'll be problematic as e-books, especially if the edition is pre-2005. Of course I agree with reviewers who point this out, but it is sad that it effects the overall rating of the BOOKS themselves, which deserve many more stars!!! Library Picks reviews only for the benefit of Amazon shoppers and has nothing to do with Amazon, the authors, manufacturers or publishers of the items we review. We always buy the items we review for the sake of objectivity, and although we search for gems, are not shy about trashing an item if it's a waste of time or money for Amazon shoppers. If the reviewer identifies herself, her job or her field, it is only as a point of reference to help you gauge the background and any biases.

A thorough exposition of the history of mathematics for mathematicians. For non-mathematicians, I recommend Mathematics for the Nonmathematician by the same author. This will be more accessible to the layperson.

I thought it be more philosophical, and less historical. But as history it i swell.

I am college Mathematics professor. Book is tedious and not written to be interesting. Author shows his bias.

Los defectos en las formulas y simbolos hacen imposible seguir bien la lectura, como ya paso en el Vol 2

This is both a classic account of the history of mathematics, and a good place to learn quite a lot of mathematics! There are many good books which teach you some particular aspect of math, but surprisingly few which teach you how mathematicians think about their craft. Kline's account, first published as a single hardback in 1972, is now re-issued as three paperbacks. Collect the set!

OK thx.