The story of numbers is a rich, sweeping history that shows how our mathematical achievements contributed to the greatest innovations of civilization. Calvin Clawson, acclaimed author of Conquering Math Phobia, weaves a story of numbers that spans thousands of years. As Clawson so clearly shows, numbers are not only an intrinsic and essential thread in our modern lives, but have always been an integral part of the human psyche - knit into the very fabric of our identity as humans. Clawson travels back through time to the roots of the history of numbers. In exploring early human fascination with numbers, he unearths the clay beads, knotted ropes, and tablets used by our ancestors as counting tools. He then investigates how numeric symbols and concepts developed uniquely and independently in Meso-America, China, and Egypt. As he persuasively argues, the mathematical concepts that arose and flourished in the ancient world enabled the creation of architectural masterpieces as well as the establishment of vast trade networks. Continuing the journey, Clawson brings us to the elegant logic of numbers that soon came to distinguish itself as a discipline and the language of science. From the concepts of infinity contemplated by the Greeks to the complex numbers that are indispensable to scientists on the cutting edge of research today, Clawson breathes life and meaning into the history of great mathematical mysteries and problems. In this spirit of inquiry, he explores, in their times and places, the discovery of numbers that lie outside the province of counting, including irrational numbers, transcendentals, complex numbers, and the enormous transfinite numbers. The personalities and the creative feats surrounding each mathematical invention come alive vividly in Clawson's lucid prose. In this work of breathtaking scope, Clawson guides us through the wonders of numbers and illustrates their monumental impact on civilization.

The Mathematical Traveler: Exploring the Grand History of Numbers (Language of Science)

Science & Math

Clawson, Calvin C.

Mathematics

Springer

Why seemingly unrelated mathematical truths are connected in simple and beautiful equations continues to stump even mathematicians. This recreational math book takes the reader on a fantastic voyage into the world of natural numbers. From the earliest discoveries of the ancient Greeks to various fundamental characteristics of the natural number sequence, Clawson explains fascinating mathematical mysteries in clear and easy prose. He delves into the heart of number theory to see and understand the exquisite relationships among natural numbers, and ends by exploring the ultimate mystery of mathematics: the Riemann hypothesis, which says that through a point in a plane, no line can be drawn parallel to a given line.While a professional mathematician's treatment of number theory involves the most sophisticated analytical tools, its basic ideas are surprisingly easy to comprehend. By concentrating on the meaning behind various equations and proofs and avoiding technical refinements, Mathematical Mysteries lets the common reader catch a glimpse of this wonderful and exotic world.

Mathematical Mysteries: The Beauty and Magic of Numbers

Plenum Pr

There are two kinds of people: those who can do mathematics, and then there's the rest of us.Math is boring.Females have no facility for mathematics (and really don't need it, anyway).For many people who do not like math, these myths ring true.Calvin Clawson, the celebrated author of Mathematical Mysteries , has a unique talent for opening the door for the uninitiated to the splendors of mathematics. A writer in love with his subject, Clawson offers readers the perfect antidote to the phobias and misconceptions surrounding mathematics in MATHEMATICAL SORCERY . Contending that the power and beauty of mathematics are gifts in which we all can partake, he shows that the field of mathematics holds a bounty of wonder that can be reaped by any one of us in the hopes of discovering new truths.In this captivating quest for pure knowledge, Clawson takes us on a journey to the amazing discoveries of our ancient ancestors. He divulges the wisdom of the Ancient Greeks, Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians, whose stunning revelations still have deep meaning to us today. The secrets of the constellations, the enigma of the golden mean, and the brilliance of a proof are just some of the breakthroughs he explores with unbridled delight.Enabling us to appreciate the achievements of Newton and other intellectual giants, Clawson inspires us through his eloquence and zeal to actually do mathematics, urging us to leap to the next level. He helps us intuitively comprehend and follow the very building blocks that too long have been a mystery to most of us, including infinity, functions, and the limit. As he elegantly states: Mathematics is pursued not only for the sheer joy of the pursuit, as with the Ancient Greeks, but for the truths it reveals about our universe.” Through MATHEMATICAL SORCERY , we taste the fruit of knowledge that has eluded us until now.

Mathematical Sorcery: Revealing the Secrets of Numbers

Reference

This is a mathophobe's answered prayer. After a revealing discussion of what went wrong with the teaching of math in the U.S., it sets out to remedy the situation by demonstrating that we have nothing to fear from math. With a step-by-step program, it helps adults conquer their math fears and dysfunctions, integrate mathematical competency into their lives and begin to enjoy the pleasures of numbers. Demonstrating both the intellectual amusement and increased personal productivity that a familiarity with numbers can provide, it builds a firm foundation of basic calculating skills that will enable readers to approach numbers with confidence, gain control over their finances and apply their new skills in the workplace.

Conquering Math Phobia

John Wiley and Sons

Set in the West of 1846, Buffalo Man is a love story between a young non-Mormon boy and a Mormon girl. Anna Sinclair is only fourteen-years-old when she leaves Nauvoo with her family for the trek west to the Great Salt Lake Valley. Wes Hamlin is a sixteen-year-old non-Mormon who is falsely accused of killing a Mormon. He runs from the law and hitches up with an old cantankerous mountain man, Crocker Sloan, who introduces him to trapping and living with the Lakota Indians. Over the next three years the two youngsters experience numerous adventures as they move west, occasionally meeting and eventually falling in love. Yet, before their love can be realized Wes must establish his innocence and Anna must resist her family's desire for her to enter a polygamist marriage.

Buffalo Man

Literature & Fiction

Contemporary

Calvin Clawson

Basic Books

The secret of constellations, the enigma of the golden mean, and the brilliance of a proof-these are just some of the wonders Clawson explores with unbridled delight in this recreational math book. Throughout the book he divulges the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians, whose stunning revelations still have deep meaning today.Transporting us beyond mere appreciation, Clawson urges us to tackle functions, tangents, and the concept of infinity. He helps us intuitively comprehend these and other building blocks of mathematics through explaining their discovery and uses. By accompanying him on his journey, we taste the fruit of knowledge that has eluded us until now.

Humor & Entertainment

Clawson, Calvin

Puzzles & Games

Back in print at last, this classic work by Calvin Clawson examines the remarkable co-evolution of numbers and human culture. From the early clay beads and ropes that our ancestors used as primitive counting tools to the influence of fractals and complex number systems on chaos theory, The Mathematical Traveler takes us on a journey over continents and through time to discover how mathematics has become an integral part of our world. We stop at ancient Sumeria, China, Greece, Italy, and England, where we learn about the discovery of our current counting system, the golden mean, pi, irrational numbers, and other mathematical innovations. More than just an overview of the history of numbers, The Mathematical Traveler explores how the understanding of mathematics helped humanity to create the underpinnings of art, technology, economics, and science that shaped the world we live in today.

The Mathematical Traveler: Exploring The Grand History Of Numbers

A love story set in the turbulent and chaotic West of 1846, Buffalo Man is a fictional account set against the historically accurate events of the time. Anna Sinclair is a fourteen-year-old Mormon joining the great Mormon migration to the Salt Lake Valley with her family when her father is killed by anti-Mormon raiders. Wes Hamlin is a sixteen-year-old non-Mormon who runs off to the Indian Territories after being accused of the murder. Wes takes an assumed name and partners with a cantankerous trapper named Crocker Sloan who introduces the boy to trapping beaver and accompanies him through a series of adventures including living with the Lakota Indians. The two youngsters, Wes and Anna, have chance encounters over several years and fall deeply in love. But coming from such different backgrounds, can their love ever find fruition? Their story is set in a time of pioneers, mountain men, the Mormon migration and polygamy.

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

A little-known and previously unavailable account of the first tourist party to Yellowstone National Park. In 1871, inspired by sketchy reports of Yellowstone's wonders, six Montanans made a horseback trip to see the park's geysers, lakes, and canyons. Lively and well-written with a detailed introduction and narrative footnotes. Yellowstone National Park Historian, Lee Whittlesey, says Great job! An outstanding publication that fills a big void.

A Ride to the Infernal Regions: Yellowstone's First Tourists

History

Americas

Riverbend Pub

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Clawson, Calvin C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Clawson, Calvin C.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Clawson, Calvin C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Mathematical Traveler: Exploring the Grand History of Numbers (Language of Science)

Mathematical Mysteries: The Beauty and Magic of Numbers

Mathematical Sorcery: Revealing the Secrets of Numbers

Conquering Math Phobia

Buffalo Man

Mathematical Mysteries: The Beauty and Magic of Numbers

Mathematical Sorcery: Revealing the Secrets of Numbers

The Mathematical Traveler: Exploring The Grand History Of Numbers

Buffalo Man

A Ride to the Infernal Regions: Yellowstone's First Tourists