Critics Corner

Reviews of books, websites, poster sets, movies, and other resources for learning and teaching the history of mathematics.

Review of Elements of Mathematics: From Euclid to Gödel

Elements of Mathematics: From Euclid to Gödel, by John Stillwell. 440 pp.

Review of Mathematics in Ancient Egypt: A Contextual History

Mathematics in Ancient Egypt: A Contextual History, Annette Imhausen, 2016. 248 pp.

Review of Enlightening Symbols: A Short History of Mathematical Notation and Its Hidden Powers

Review of the book Enlightening Symbols: A Short History of Mathematical Notation and Its Hidden Powers, by Joseph Mazur

Review of Infinitesimal: How a Dangerous Mathematical Theory Shaped the Modern World

Seventeenth century proponents of the elusive infinitesimal clashed with Clavius and the Catholic Church.

Review of Mathematical Expeditions: Exploring Word Problems across the Ages

A collection of problems that should be of interest to teachers at all levels. Frank Swetz shares this observation at the close of his book, Mathematical Expeditions: Exploring Word Problems across the Ages.

Review of A Remarkable Collection of Babylonian Mathematical Texts

Our reviewer finds this collection of translations of Babylonian mathematical tablets to be both fascinating and accessible.

The Mayan and Other Ancient Calendars

A detailed study of the cycles of the Mayan calendar, along with some other ancient calendars.

When Least is Best

A survey of techniques of minimizing and maximizing over the centuries.

Review of Routes of Learning: Highways, Pathways, and Byways in the History of Mathematics

In this collection of essays on modern trends and issues in the history of mathematics, consideration of mathematics history in the classroom is often more theoretical than practical.

The Joy of Pi

A highly recommended new book on the history and applications of pi.