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The crest of the peacock

After the renaissance, the centre of mathematical study moved to Europe, and sometimes the contributions to mathematics from other cultures are overlooked. In The Crest of the Peacock George Gheverghese Joseph gives a history of such mathematics, starting from prehistoric markings on bones, and going on to the mathematics of Egypt and Babylonia, followed by a look at that of China, India and the Arab world. It's a lot of material to cover and sometimes it's hard going, but there are plenty of examples and diagrams which make it easier to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to find out more about the substantial contribution to mathematics from non-European cultures.

Joseph obviously feels that non-European mathematics has been poorly treated in mathematical history. However, if his aim is to persuade the reader of this then I don't think that he is doing it in the right way - as it is his comments on this seem to intrude in the rest of the text. He concludes 'there needs to be more research in this area', but I couldn't help feeling that the 'more research' was what should be in this book, especially in the 2^nd edition (2000). Also the extra material for this edition was just put in a 'reflections' chapter at the end, whereas I felt that a rewriting of the individual chapters was really what was needed.

Amazon.com info

Paperback 400 pages
ISBN: 0140125299
Salesrank: 1065829
Weight:0.5 lbs

Published: 1992 Penguin (Non-Classics)

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Amazon.co.uk info

Paperback 367 pages
ISBN: 0140277781
Salesrank: 422147
Weight:0.61 lbs

Published: 1992 Penguin Books Ltd

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Amazon.ca info

Paperback 400 pages
ISBN: 0140125299
Salesrank: 694745
Weight:0.5 lbs

Published: 1992 Penguin UK

Marketplace::Used from CDN$ 95.72

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Amazon.co.uk Review
When we hear that math is both the most noble endeavour of our species and that it was born in Europe, we naturally tend to be suspicious. Few writers could be as well-qualified to write about ancient math across the world as George Gheverghese Joseph, whose The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics is a bright example of clear exposition and argument. Though the topic might intimidate those averse to mathematics, history, non-Western cultures or some combination thereof, the book is essential for any reader who seeks a clearer understanding of any one of those. Joseph doesn't make things easy for non-mathematicians or non-historians, but the pleasure of meeting his challenge is robust. He explains ancient African, American and Asian methods of counting and manipulating numbers with ease, paying particular attention to the historical development and interrelationships between cultures. When discussing systems of mathematics as complex as those taught in ancient India and China, Joseph includes sample problems and discussions to help the interested student see numbers as past learners did. The revised addition includes a lengthy section entitled "Reflections" that updates and expands much of the material. Few readers will be able to match Joseph's grasp of both history and mathematics, but all will find The Crest of the Peacock as delightful and elegant as its subjects. --Rob Lightner

Amazon.co.uk Review

When we hear that math is both the most noble endeavour of our species and that it was born in Europe, we naturally tend to be suspicious. Few writers could be as well-qualified to write about ancient math across the world as George Gheverghese Joseph, whose The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics is a bright example of clear exposition and argument. Though the topic might intimidate those averse to mathematics, history, non-Western cultures or some combination thereof, the book is essential for any reader who seeks a clearer understanding of any one of those. Joseph doesn't make things easy for non-mathematicians or non-historians, but the pleasure of meeting his challenge is robust. He explains ancient African, American and Asian methods of counting and manipulating numbers with ease, paying particular attention to the historical development and interrelationships between cultures. When discussing systems of mathematics as complex as those taught in ancient India and China, Joseph includes sample problems and discussions to help the interested student see numbers as past learners did. The revised addition includes a lengthy section entitled "Reflections" that updates and expands much of the material. Few readers will be able to match Joseph's grasp of both history and mathematics, but all will find The Crest of the Peacock as delightful and elegant as its subjects. --Rob Lightner

Good and informative, if needlessly polemical ****
A very fine book about non western mathematics, concentrating in such civilizations as Ancient Egypt, Babylonia, China, India, the Arab world, and to a lesser extent, precolumbian civilizations. There is a lot of information here. Unfortunately, the book is unnecessarily polemical. To highlight the contributions of non western civilizations to mathematics, Gheverghese feels the need to belittle all the time the western contributions to mathematics, which any independent observer would say were crucial ones. A worthwhile book for those interested in the topic, nevertheless.

Good and informative, if needlessly polemical ****

A very fine book about non western mathematics, concentrating in such civilizations as Ancient Egypt, Babylonia, China, India, the Arab world, and to a lesser extent, precolumbian civilizations. There is a lot of information here. Unfortunately, the book is unnecessarily polemical. To highlight the contributions of non western civilizations to mathematics, Gheverghese feels the need to belittle all the time the western contributions to mathematics, which any independent observer would say were crucial ones. A worthwhile book for those interested in the topic, nevertheless.

A lively introduction to our mathematical heritage *****
The book brings out a very important balance to the context of history of mathematics. Most of us have no idea that Mayan civilizations could have had developed mathematics. This book will change our view. Even in the context of Indian mathematics, the book draws attention to the context of Kerala mathemtics, to show the continuity of Indian mathematics in 13-14 th centurary. Best part I liked about `quipu'. It is a mop which consists of a collection of knots, often dyed in one or more colours. He discusses how `quipu' of Inca tribes are actually mathematical records, a hard disk of their time. The book is written in a lively form. As a information, The title ` Crest of peacock' means mathematics as as the head of all knowledge.(

A lively introduction to our mathematical heritage *****

The book brings out a very important balance to the context of history of mathematics. Most of us have no idea that Mayan civilizations could have had developed mathematics. This book will change our view. Even in the context of Indian mathematics, the book draws attention to the context of Kerala mathemtics, to show the continuity of Indian mathematics in 13-14 th centurary. Best part I liked about `quipu'. It is a mop which consists of a collection of knots, often dyed in one or more colours. He discusses how `quipu' of Inca tribes are actually mathematical records, a hard disk of their time. The book is written in a lively form. As a information, The title ` Crest of peacock' means mathematics as as the head of all knowledge.(

Mathematics history *****
One of a number of interesting, popular mathematics texts published in recent years. The author traces many of it points of origin and its early developments. I would recommend this to anyone interested in math.

Mathematics history *****

One of a number of interesting, popular mathematics texts published in recent years. The author traces many of it points of origin and its early developments. I would recommend this to anyone interested in math.

Good source on Chinese mathematics ****
One of the few books with detail on Chinese mathmatics. I would have liked more, though, as most accounts deal almost entirely in Indian, Greek, Arab and Egyptian mathematics.

Good source on Chinese mathematics ****

One of the few books with detail on Chinese mathmatics. I would have liked more, though, as most accounts deal almost entirely in Indian, Greek, Arab and Egyptian mathematics.

Good information but with flawed sources. **
There are better multicultural science and math histories out there. His actual information on the development of math in non-Western societies is very good, but in their relationship to Europe his information is faulty. First of all, in his criticism of Eurocentrism he quotes very out of date sources and pretends they represent current mainstream views. Also, he follows Bernal in claiming all Ancient Greeks claimed they got their knowledge from Egypt and Babylonia. Many of those quotes are severly out of context. Herodotus, Strabo and Diodorus quote Egyptian priests on their Egyptianocentric views, and those quotes are now taken to represent the thoughts of the GREEK historians, even when they are highly critical of those comments. For example, after Diodorus lists a large number of Egyptian claims such as being responsible for the education of Pythagoras and the foundation of Athens he criticizes those claims with quotes like these "By many other statements like these, spoken more out of a love for glory that with regard for the truth..they claim Athens as a colony of theirs" and "they offer no precise proof whatsoever for these statements." (Diodorus Siculus, Library of History, Book 1) There are similar disavowals in Ammianus, Strabo and others. So whether or not the statements of Egyptian influence are true or not, it is hardly honest to claim Diodorus and most other ancient Greeks as supporters of the Egyptianocentric viewpoint.

Good information but with flawed sources. **

There are better multicultural science and math histories out there. His actual information on the development of math in non-Western societies is very good, but in their relationship to Europe his information is faulty. First of all, in his criticism of Eurocentrism he quotes very out of date sources and pretends they represent current mainstream views. Also, he follows Bernal in claiming all Ancient Greeks claimed they got their knowledge from Egypt and Babylonia. Many of those quotes are severly out of context. Herodotus, Strabo and Diodorus quote Egyptian priests on their Egyptianocentric views, and those quotes are now taken to represent the thoughts of the GREEK historians, even when they are highly critical of those comments. For example, after Diodorus lists a large number of Egyptian claims such as being responsible for the education of Pythagoras and the foundation of Athens he criticizes those claims with quotes like these "By many other statements like these, spoken more out of a love for glory that with regard for the truth..they claim Athens as a colony of theirs" and "they offer no precise proof whatsoever for these statements." (Diodorus Siculus, Library of History, Book 1) There are similar disavowals in Ammianus, Strabo and others. So whether or not the statements of Egyptian influence are true or not, it is hardly honest to claim Diodorus and most other ancient Greeks as supporters of the Egyptianocentric viewpoint.

Needs a math editting ****
I agree with the other reviews, except for the math editting. Its apparant that the book wasn't math editted in its entirety, because the math notation isn't consistent. Also, the author's attempts at analysis are, at least in two cases, wrong.(Fortunately, he doesn't attempt much math analysis). On the plus side, I found only 5 math typos, which, considering the amount of math content, is pretty amazing.

Needs a math editting ****

I agree with the other reviews, except for the math editting. Its apparant that the book wasn't math editted in its entirety, because the math notation isn't consistent. Also, the author's attempts at analysis are, at least in two cases, wrong.(Fortunately, he doesn't attempt much math analysis). On the plus side, I found only 5 math typos, which, considering the amount of math content, is pretty amazing.

Second edition of this book *****
I have news about a second edition of this book due for this month. It is full of new materials, notes and revisions that makes it even more interesting. Please let me know when you have it available. Thanks

Second edition of this book *****

I have news about a second edition of this book due for this month. It is full of new materials, notes and revisions that makes it even more interesting.

Please let me know when you have it available. Thanks

Marvellous Book *****
This is a book that is truly liberating. It should be read by each and everyone of us brought up on a diet of undiluted Eurocentrism. An amazing journey through history and cultures, one is left at the end of it wanting more. For someone with a limited and frightening exposure to school mathematics, the level and literary clarity makes much of the maths quite palatable. Would unreservedly recommend the book. I would be amazed if at the end of it one's perception of mathematics has not changed for ever.

Marvellous Book *****

This is a book that is truly liberating. It should be read by each and everyone of us brought up on a diet of undiluted Eurocentrism. An amazing journey through history and cultures, one is left at the end of it wanting more. For someone with a limited and frightening exposure to school mathematics, the level and literary clarity makes much of the maths quite palatable. Would unreservedly recommend the book. I would be amazed if at the end of it one's perception of mathematics has not changed for ever.

Great. A must-read for anyone teaching maths *****
'Crest of the Peacock' would be an excellent text for a history of mathematics course. It doesn't cover modern mathematics, but for previous periods it is so much better than many others available. For those brought up on Kline, Boyer, Struik, etc, this book is a refreshing challenge to the thinking we have grown up with. The author does not rant about the misconception of maths as a 'western invention', but instead presents a very readable and well argued history of mathematics in various cultures, and the links between them. I learnt far more from this book than I have from any other history of maths text. Highly recommended, particularly if you teach mathematics - there is so much material in here to liven up your classes.

Great. A must-read for anyone teaching maths *****

'Crest of the Peacock' would be an excellent text for a history of mathematics course. It doesn't cover modern mathematics, but for previous periods it is so much better than many others available. For those brought up on Kline, Boyer, Struik, etc, this book is a refreshing challenge to the thinking we have grown up with. The author does not rant about the misconception of maths as a 'western invention', but instead presents a very readable and well argued history of mathematics in various cultures, and the links between them. I learnt far more from this book than I have from any other history of maths text. Highly recommended, particularly if you teach mathematics - there is so much material in here to liven up your classes.

Great Book! *****
'Crest of the Peacock' would be an excellent text for a history of mathematics course. It doesn't cover modern mathematics, but for previous periods it is so much better than many others available. For those brought up on Kline, Boyer, Struik, etc, this book is a refreshing challenge to the thinking we have grown up with. The author does not rant about the misconception of maths as a 'western invention', but instead presents a very readable and well argued history of mathematics in various cultures, and the links between them. I learnt far more from this book than I have from any other history of maths text. Highly recommended, particularly if you teach mathematics - there is so much material in here to liven up your classes.

Great Book! *****

A Truly Amazing Book *****
I have just finished reading this book. It is an amazing experience for someone whose math stopped with the high school. The sections relating to the truly forgotten people - the original inhabitants of the Pacific region, the American continents and Africa- which is mainly contained in the last chapter entitled 'Reflections' were a revelation to me. Anybody who sees math as a truly global phenomena must read this book I would be most interested in knowing more about the author.

A Truly Amazing Book *****

I have just finished reading this book. It is an amazing experience for someone whose math stopped with the high school. The sections relating to the truly forgotten people - the original inhabitants of the Pacific region, the American continents and Africa- which is mainly contained in the last chapter entitled 'Reflections' were a revelation to me. Anybody who sees math as a truly global phenomena must read this book I would be most interested in knowing more about the author.

An Unusual and Original Book *****
For somebody with a limited mathematics background, I was surprised by this book. Chapter 1 is an amazing journey into the pathways and byways of mathematics as a global phenomena. It is also a well-directed polemic aimed at the arrogance of those who claim that mathematics was created by some chosen people. Subseqeunt chapters contain examples and solutions from a number of mathematical cultures. I was particularly attracted by the treatment of Indian and 'Arab' mathematics. The background of the people and cultures involved was treated with such zest that it replenished my appetite to try out more math. I would particulary recommend the last chapter which consists of afterthoughts on the topics covered in earlier chapter. An amazing book!

An Unusual and Original Book *****

For somebody with a limited mathematics background, I was surprised by this book. Chapter 1 is an amazing journey into the pathways and byways of mathematics as a global phenomena. It is also a well-directed polemic aimed at the arrogance of those who claim that mathematics was created by some chosen people. Subseqeunt chapters contain examples and solutions from a number of mathematical cultures. I was particularly attracted by the treatment of Indian and 'Arab' mathematics. The background of the people and cultures involved was treated with such zest that it replenished my appetite to try out more math. I would particulary recommend the last chapter which consists of afterthoughts on the topics covered in earlier chapter. An amazing book!

George G Joseph

The crest of the peacock