A Little History of Mathematics

“This is a triumph: a fascinating, fast-paced, vivid introduction to the ongoing story of how we came up with mathematics, the most under-appreciated success of human civilisation. Lawrence illuminates the lives and contributions of our cleverest and most creative minds with a deft touch that pulls the reader deep into their experience: it might be a little history, but it is a huge achievement.”—Michael Brooks, author of The Maths that Made Us   “If you want a readable whistle-stop tour of the past 32,000 years of mathematics, I can think of nothing better. This ‘little history’ is a great book. I particularly liked being shown the human side of the subject as well as its technical content. Buy it, read it, enjoy it!”—Ian Stewart, author of What’s the Use?   “An engaging and informative journey through the history of mathematics.”—Steven Strogatz, author of Infinite Powers    

Snezana Lawrence works as a senior lecturer at Middlesex University, London, and was the chair of the History and Pedagogy of Mathematics International Study Group between 2020 and 2024. She is the author of The New Year’s Present from a Mathematician and editor of Mathematicians and Their Gods.