Birth of Mathematics: Ancient Times to 1300 (Pioneers in Mathmatics)

Grade 6 Up–Each of these volumes covers the lives and contributions of 10 mathematicians arranged chronologically. Short biography are followed by in-depth explanations of their contributions to the field and a brief conclusion. Each entry also includes a bibliography and Web sites specific to the subject. Black-and-white reproductions, diagrams and equations, drawings, reproductions of documents, and a specialized glossary aid in understanding. Volumes include both well- and lesser known individuals from Pythagoras and Hypatia to Omar Khayyám, and John von Neumann. Tucker McElroy’s A to Z of Mathematicians (Facts On File, 2005) includes 150 mathematicians but without the depth of coverage found here. Leonard C. Bruno’s Math & Mathematicians (Gale, 1999) contains the biographies of 50 mathematicians and 35 articles describing mathematical principles and concepts. The Pioneers in Mathematics series contains fewer individuals but gives ample information for reports.–Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. In the first of a projected five volumes in his Pioneers in Mathematics series, Bradley explores in exact detail the mathematical advances and other discoveries of 10 early mathematicians, from Thales of Miletus to Leonardo Fibonnaci. Illustrated with many mathematical figures and equations, this study complements Joy Hakim’s broader and more readable Story of Science: Aristotle Leads the Way (2004) by looking more closely at each thinker’s surviving major works. Bradley also includes a woman (Hypatia of Alexandria), two Indian and two Muslim luminaries on the roster of greats. Multimedia resource lists follow each chapter and also close the volume. John PetersCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved