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Heavenly Mathematics: The Forgotten Art of Spherical Trigonometry
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About Heavenly Mathematics: The Forgotten Art Of
Product Description An unparalleled illustrated history of spherical trigonometry from antiquity to todayHeavenly Mathematics traces the rich history of spherical trigonometry, revealing how the cultures of classical Greece, medieval Islam, and the modern West used this forgotten art to chart the heavens and the Earth. Once at the heart of astronomy and ocean-going navigation for two millennia, the discipline was also a mainstay of mathematics education for centuries and taught widely until the 1950s. Glen Van Brummelen explores this exquisite branch of mathematics and its role in ancient astronomy, geography, and cartography; Islamic religious rituals; celestial navigation; polyhedra; stereographic projection; and more. He conveys the sheer beauty of spherical trigonometry, providing readers with a new appreciation of its elegant proofs and often surprising conclusions. Heavenly Mathematics is illustrated throughout with stunning historical images and informative drawings and diagrams. This unique compendium also features easy-to-use appendixes as well as exercises that originally appeared in textbooks from the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries. Review "One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2013" "Shortlisted for the 2013 BSHM Neumann Book Prize, British Society for the History of Mathematics" "Once a mainstay of mathematics, spherical trigonometry no longer appears on school curricula. Here, Glen Van Brummelen reasserts the field's importance, sharing in illuminating detail how it figured in astronomy, cartography and our understanding of Earth's rotation." ---Rosalind Metcalfe, Nature "The present book is very well written; it leaves a clear impression that the author intended to endear--not merely present and teach--spherical trigonometry to the reader. Although not a history book, there are separate chapters shedding light on the approaches to the subject in the ancient, medieval, and modern times. There are also chapters on spherical geometry, polyhedra, stereographic projection and the art of navigation. The book is thoroughly illustrated and is a pleasant read. Chapters end with exercises; the appendices contain a long list of available and not so available textbooks and recommendations for further reading organized by individual chapters. The book made a valuable addition to my library. I freely recommend it to math teachers and curious high schoolers." ---Alexander Bogomolny, CTK Insights "A no-nonsense introduction to spherical trigonometry." ― Book News, Inc. "A beautiful popular book." ― ThatsMaths.com "Full of academic, textbook content, the book is a delight to math students. So if you are game for a journey into the world of spherical trigonometry, pick up the book. Van Brummelen gives exercises at the end of the chapters that can be fun." ---R. Balashankar, Organiser " Heavenly Mathematicsis a truly enjoyable description of the somewhat forgotten science of spherical trigonometry. . . . As readers discover this discipline, they will also appreciate the beauty inherent in the topic." ― Choice " Heavenly Mathematics proves the value of bringing a fascinating piece of mathematical history within the grasp of the general reader." ---Florin Diacu, Literary Review of Canada "Van Brummelen has written a wonderful introduction . . . that draws on the history of [spherical trigonometry] to illuminate the mathematics itself and at the same time gives readers a real sense of what research in the history of early mathematics is all about." ― Metascience "[ Heavenly Mathematics] is an excellent survey of spherical trigonometry. . . . Simply an appreciation of a beautiful lost subject, with historical overtones. . . . [D]istinguishable for its appealingly fresh style." ― Mathematical Reviews "[ Heavenly Mathematics] is a lovely book to read. . . . [A] wonderful introduction for anyone who wishes to learn more about this subject. . . . I am in full agreement with the author that spherical
