annieb123's Review of The Secret Lives of Numbers

by Tomoko L. Kitagawa and Timothy Revell

Mathematics is undergoing a revolution. Its history is being rewritten.

Mathematics shapes almost everything we do. From building rockets to the handheld technology that governs our day-to-day lives, we are all in debt to the mathematical geniuses of the past. But the history of mathematics is warped; it looks like a sixteenth-century map that enlarges Europe at the expense of Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The Secret Lives of Numbers introduces readers to a new group of mathematical boundary-smashers, those who have been erased by history because of their race, gender or nationality. Kitagawa and Revell bring to vivid life the stories and struggles of mathematicians from every continent: from the brilliant Arabic scholars of the ninth century 'House of Wisdom'; to the pioneering African-American mathematicians of the twentieth century; the first female mathematics professor (from Russia); and the 'lady computers' around the world who revolutionised our knowledge of the night sky.

This groundbreaking, deeply researched book offers a powerful corrective to our shared history. Equally inspiring and iconoclastic, it shows the non-linear, worldwide reality of how mathematics progressed over the past 3,000 years -- and finally puts these trailblazing men and women back on the map.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Secret Lives of Numbers is an accessible and interesting set of mini-biographies of some mathematicians from history who are perhaps less well known to most non-mathematicians collaboratively written by Drs. Kate Kitagawa and Timothy Revell. Due out 9th July 2024 from HarperCollins on their William Morrow imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Mathematics literally infuses everything we touch, and most everything with which we interact. Understanding of mathematical concepts throughout history has directly led to technological advancement as well as philosophical understanding. It's informed our wars, peace, interactions on small and large scales.

One of the foremost mathematical historians in the world relates some of the lesser known mathematical minds through history. (Note: lesser known to the average layperson, some will be more or less familiar to STEM allied readers). The authors are academics. The book is not rigorous or demanding. It's written in plain language with wit and warmth.

Despite being accessible and fun to read, it is well annotated throughout, and the chapter notes will provide keen readers with many hours of further reading enjoyment. There are tantalizing glimpses of so many cool ideas throughout, and readers will likely find themselves delightfully lost in following the breadcrumbs to more in-depth knowledge.

Four and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or post-secondary school library acquisition, home use, or gifting to a STEM interested reader.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Reading updates

5 July, 2024: Started reading

5 July, 2024: Finished reading

5 July, 2024: Reviewed