A Perfect Harmony, 9780861549856
Paperback
Unraveling music’s mysteries: from ancient origins to AI symphonies.
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A Perfect Harmony

music, mathematics and science

$24.57

  • Paperback

    288 pages

  • Release Date

    3 November 2025

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Summary

The Science of Sound: Unlocking the Harmony Within

From ancient civilizations crafting music with rudimentary drums and bone flutes, how did music—a collection of frequencies and rhythms—become essential to the human experience?

David Darling explores the science behind music, connecting notes, numbers, perception, psychology, and physics, from its Paleolithic roots to today.

Uncover surprising connections and debunk common myths as we delve into:

  • Why m…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9780861549856
ISBN-10:0861549856
Author:David Darling
Publisher:Oneworld Publications
Imprint:Oneworld Publications
Format:Paperback
Number of Pages:288
Release Date:3 November 2025
Weight:254g
Dimensions:198mm x 129mm x 21mm
What They're Saying

Critics Review

‘Darling is one of Britain’s finest maths writers, [and shows] how inextricably numbers are intertwined with artistic creativity… fascinating.’ —Financial Times

‘It comes as no surprise that many scientists were also musicians. A Perfect Harmony serves to solidify just how interlinked the fields are… Darling’s observant musical odyssey across time reinforces that “music and maths are endlessly entwined… nourishing one another” and have done so for millennia. After all, at its simplest music is melody and rhythm, and rhythm cannot exist without maths.’ —New Statesman 

‘This deftly written book about the powerful intersections between music, maths and science… he packs in plenty of intriguing facts and anecdotes on a whistlestop tour of musical history… an engaging, accessible guide to a fascinating subject.’ —BBC Music Magazine, ★★★★

‘Darling is not only a talented science writer with an expansive back-catalogue to his name but he is also an accomplished musician, and his enthusiasm for all things musical spills off the page… if there’s a writer who can genuinely and credibly inhabit both sides of the arts–science cultural divide, it’s DarlingEngaging and entertaining.’ —Physics World

About The Author

David Darling

David Darling is a science writer, astronomer and musician. His books include the bestselling Equations of Eternity. Together with Agnijo Banerjee, he is the co-author of the Weird Maths trilogy and The Biggest Number in the World. He lives in Dundee, Scotland.

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