Ian Stewart. Nature’s Numbers (1995) A survey of how mathematics not only informs but enables our understanding of the world. One may read this book as an extended gloss on Wigner’s essay, “On the unreasonable success of mathematics...” Stewart aims at the educated lay person, but does not assume technical mathematical skill or knowledge. Occasionally, that results in rather less detail than one would wish. The book could also do with more illustrations, especially since Stewart emphasises that modern mathematics concerns itself more with shape than with number. Not his best work, but still pretty good. **½ (2004)
Mostly book reviews, plus whatever else I feel like posting. I welcome comments and conversation. Comments are moderated, so it may take a day or two for your comment to appear. Or send a mail to wolfmac@sympatico.ca If you quote, please also link to this blog. If you like this blog, please follow it. Highest review rating is four stars ****
Unnatural Death (Sayers, 1927)
Dorothy Sayers. Unnatural Death. (1927) Agatha Dawson, a well-off old lady, dies of old age. But Lord Peter doesn’t believe it was a natur...
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John Cunningham. The Tin Star (Collier’s, December 4, 1947) The short story adapted for High Noon . As often happens, the movie retains v... -
Alan Bullock. Hitler: A Study of Tyranny (1962) This is the second, revised edition, in which Bullock has taken advantage of documents...
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Today we remember those whom we sent into war on our behalf, and who gave everything they had. They gave their lives. I want to think a...
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