Reviews from Amazon

The Mathematical Tourist

There's much in recent mathmatics that is of interest to the non-specialist - if you know the right place to look. In A Mathematical Tourist: snapshots of modern mathematics, Ivars Peterson, a sicence journalist, investigates some of the recent discoveries and finds all sort of fascinating topics to report on. There are prime numbers and their use in cryptography together with higher dimensional objects and how they apply to managing businesses. The chapter on Twists of Space looks at soap films, topology, new types of crystals and knot theory, with a description of how chemists have tried to create knotted molecules. And there's plenty on fractals, chaos, cellular automata, and a lot more besides.

The book is getting on for 20 years old (I read the 1988 edition), and a lot more mathematics has been done in that time, but I didn't feel that the book was particularly dated. Since Peterson's itinerary in mathland is pretty packed, I'm not sure that the book is for the total novice. On the other hand, if you've got a bit of mathematical experience then you shouldn't find the book too difficult - and there are plenty of pictures to help the journey along. I feel that it'sthe sort of book which will stimulate the reader to try to find out more about the topics covered.

Amazon.com info

Hardcover 240 pages
ISBN: 0716719533
Salesrank: 1278435
Weight:1.33 lbs

Published: 1988 W.H.Freeman & Co Ltd

Marketplace:New from $3.15:Used from $0.42

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Amazon.co.uk info

Hardcover 240 pages
ISBN: 0716719533
Salesrank:
Weight:1.33 lbs

Published: 1988 W.H.Freeman & Co Ltd

Marketplace:New from £15.30:Used from £1.50

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.ca info

Hardcover 240 pages
ISBN: 0716719533
Salesrank:
Weight:1.33 lbs

Published: 1988 W H Freeman & Co.

Marketplace:New from CDN$ 24.95:Used from CDN$ 0.41

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Product Description
In the first edition of The Mathematical Tourist, renowned science journalist Ivars Peterson took readers on an unforgettable tour through the sometimes bizarre, but always fascinating, landscape of modern mathematics. Now the journey continues in a new, updated edition that includes all the latest information on mathematical proofs, fractals, prime numbers, and chaos, as well as new material on * the relationship between mathematical knots and DNA * how computers based on quantum logic can significantly speed up the factoring of large composite numbers * the relationship between four-dimensional geometry and physical theories of the nature of matter * the application of cellular automata models to social questions and the peregrinations of virtual ants * a novel mathematical model of quasicrystals based on decagon-shaped tiles Blazing a trail through rows of austere symbols and dense lines of formulae, Peterson explores the central ideas behind the work of professional mathematicians-- how and where their pieces of the mathematical puzzle fit in, the sources of their ideas, their fountains of inspiration, and the images that carry them from one discovery to another.

Product Description

In the first edition of The Mathematical Tourist, renowned science journalist Ivars Peterson took readers on an unforgettable tour through the sometimes bizarre, but always fascinating, landscape of modern mathematics. Now the journey continues in a new, updated edition that includes all the latest information on mathematical proofs, fractals, prime numbers, and chaos, as well as new material on

* the relationship between mathematical knots and DNA
* how computers based on quantum logic can significantly speed up the factoring of large composite numbers
* the relationship between four-dimensional geometry and physical theories of the nature of matter
* the application of cellular automata models to social questions and the peregrinations of virtual ants
* a novel mathematical model of quasicrystals based on decagon-shaped tiles

Blazing a trail through rows of austere symbols and dense lines of formulae, Peterson explores the central ideas behind the work of professional mathematicians-- how and where their pieces of the mathematical puzzle fit in, the sources of their ideas, their fountains of inspiration, and the images that carry them from one discovery to another.

An Engaging Exploration, Even for Math-Phobes ****
Peterson does a good job of covering many mathemaical concpts in a well-paced narrative. This is an enjoyable book to read, even for those who don't like math. The author wisely steers clear of lenghthy equations and problems, and takes the time to lead the reader through the concepts in a way that doesn't require a background in math. Anyone with an inquisitive mind would appreciate this book.

An Engaging Exploration, Even for Math-Phobes ****

Peterson does a good job of covering many mathemaical concpts in a well-paced narrative. This is an enjoyable book to read, even for those who don't like math. The author wisely steers clear of lenghthy equations and problems, and takes the time to lead the reader through the concepts in a way that doesn't require a background in math. Anyone with an inquisitive mind would appreciate this book.

Take the Tour *****
Let me start off by saying that this is not a work for the layman or the mentally lazy. It deals with several outstanding mathematical issues in so far as they relate to our understanding of the universe. The writing is erudite, refined and continually interesting. Subjects as far-ranging as knot theory (I didn't know it existed), fractals, prime numbers, multi-dimensions, shapes, hyperspace - it's all here with a large number of illustrations and drawings including several color plates of fractals produced by computer.

Take the Tour *****

Let me start off by saying that this is not a work for the layman or the mentally lazy. It deals with several outstanding mathematical issues in so far as they relate to our understanding of the universe. The writing is erudite, refined and continually interesting. Subjects as far-ranging as knot theory (I didn't know it existed), fractals, prime numbers, multi-dimensions, shapes, hyperspace - it's all here with a large number of illustrations and drawings including several color plates of fractals produced by computer.

A beautiful tour across the mathematical spectrum... *****
Get this updated edition even if you have the paperback 1988 edition. There are quite a few updated topics in this edition. While I still prefer the four volume Newmann classic, "World Of Mathematics", this book gives a fast but full overview of the subject. Beginning with the world of numbers one is enchanted chapter by chapter into the labryinth. Some effort is required on the reader's part but that is rewarded in full measure. It is something to ponder the sheer beauty of ideas and proofs. Patterns and their "invention" surprisingly correspond to aspects of nature. The presentation here is excellent. I found this book a great joy to read. While much that is presented here I have read before, the work still gives me further insight on things that I missed. This book is a gem.

A beautiful tour across the mathematical spectrum... *****

Get this updated edition even if you have the paperback 1988 edition. There are quite a few updated topics in this edition. While I still prefer the four volume Newmann classic, "World Of Mathematics", this book gives a fast but full overview of the subject.

Beginning with the world of numbers one is enchanted chapter by chapter into the labryinth. Some effort is required on the reader's part but that is rewarded in full measure. It is something to ponder the sheer beauty of ideas and proofs. Patterns and their "invention" surprisingly correspond to aspects of nature.

The presentation here is excellent. I found this book a great joy to read. While much that is presented here I have read before, the work still gives me further insight on things that I missed. This book is a gem.

A great tour of the World of Mathematics *****
The journey begins.Attention Passengers!We first arrive at Numeralis.. What a way to start the journey to the world of Mathematics.You open the book and start reading it.True to the title he takes you to a guided tour into the world of Mathematics considering each pillar of Mathematics as a country on its own. I have a read a four Volume series on the World of Mathematics by Newmann and I did wonder how beautifully the Mathematical areas with its own Scenic beauty has been described.But when I read this one,Yes ! I did get a feeling of having travelled to Mathematics World visited each place and had a good insight into each one. Ivars Peterson starts the journey by first visiting the Number World.He names this as the "Prime pursuit" and then slowly into the theory of mathematical spaces -topology and minimal surfaces.Wait!I hear you asking if it is all about pure mathematics.Certainly not,then and there to make the passengers feel comfortable ,just like a real guide ,he introduces the usefulness of the concepts in the emperical world.Be it quantum computing-the century's scientific thirst or the age-old yet golden primes ,the journey is very smooth ,no harsh surprises what one would term as mathematics of the mathematicians.This one is for the layman..A cool and lucid entry and exit in the world of Mathematics. After reading this book you will wonder,"have I visited so many places " but you will feel that you have learnt so many Mathematical stuffs,what this world is all about and mind you ,all these without even the slightest fatigue:) A must read Popular Maths Book!

A great tour of the World of Mathematics *****

The journey begins.Attention Passengers!We first arrive at Numeralis..

What a way to start the journey to the world of Mathematics.You open the book and start reading it.True to the title he takes you to a guided tour into the world of Mathematics considering each pillar of Mathematics as a country on its own.
I have a read a four Volume series on the World of Mathematics by Newmann and I did wonder how beautifully the Mathematical areas with its own *Scenic beauty* has been described.But when I read this one,Yes ! I did get a feeling of having travelled to Mathematics World visited each place and had a good insight into each one.
Ivars Peterson starts the journey by first visiting the Number World.He names this as the "Prime pursuit" and then slowly into the *theory of mathematical spaces* -topology and minimal surfaces.Wait!I hear you asking if it is all about pure mathematics.Certainly not,then and there to make the passengers feel comfortable ,just like a real guide ,he introduces the usefulness of the concepts in the emperical world.Be it quantum computing-the century's scientific thirst or the age-old yet golden primes ,the journey is very smooth ,no harsh surprises what one would term as mathematics of the mathematicians.This one is for the layman..A cool and lucid entry and exit in the world of Mathematics.
After reading this book you will wonder,"have I visited so many *places* " but you will feel that you have learnt so many Mathematical stuffs,what this world is all about and mind you ,all these without even the slightest fatigue:)

A must read Popular Maths Book!

Wonderful Guide *****
Not every topic in here is appealing to me--for example, I loved the chaos, fractals, and prime number sections and skimmed the sections on higher dimensions and topology. But the point is that Peterson gives a skilled description of each area of mathematics. There are enough pictures / illustrations and intuitive explanations / examples for a layman, but also enough "real" mathematics to inform one who has a decent background in math. And of course, the additional resources listed for each chapter would allow one to more formally pursue a topic that captures one's interest. Overall a very fun read. And Peterson's brief treatment of the clash of computers with mathematical theorems is thought-provoking. I have NOT read the updated edition yet but the original was quite good; surely the updated only improves upon it.

Wonderful Guide *****

Not every topic in here is appealing to me--for example, I loved the chaos, fractals, and prime number sections and skimmed the sections on higher dimensions and topology. But the point is that Peterson gives a skilled description of each area of mathematics. There are enough pictures / illustrations and intuitive explanations / examples for a layman, but also enough "real" mathematics to inform one who has a decent background in math. And of course, the additional resources listed for each chapter would allow one to more formally pursue a topic that captures one's interest.

Overall a very fun read. And Peterson's brief treatment of the clash of computers with mathematical theorems is thought-provoking.

I have NOT read the updated edition yet but the original was quite good; surely the updated only improves upon it.

Interesting introduction to the magic of maths. ****
If you want to see what all the fuss is about maths, without staring at meaningless equations, get this book.

Interesting introduction to the magic of maths. ****

If you want to see what all the fuss is about maths, without staring at meaningless equations, get this book.