Euclid's Elements of Geometry was a book that changed the world. In a sweeping history, Benjamin Wardhaugh traces how an ancient Greek text on mathematics - often hailed as the world's first textbook - shaped two thousand years of art, philosophy and literature, as well as science and maths.
'An astonishingly readable and informative history of the greatest mathematical bestseller of all time ... The writing is vivid and the stories are gripping. Highly recommended ' IAN STEWART, AUTHOR OF SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
August, 1755. Newcastle, on the north bank of the Tyne.
Volume I: An Essay to the Advancement of Musick and the Ensuing Controversy, 1672-3
The book explores the tumultuous exchange between Thomas Salmon and Matthew Locke, sparked by Salmon's 1672 work, the Essay to the Advancement of Musick. It delves into the intense and often humorous pamphlet war that ensued, highlighting not only the personal animosities but also the broader implications for musical discourse in the 17th century. Through this conflict, the book reveals insights into the musical theories of the era and the personalities involved, showcasing the intersection of art and rivalry in early music criticism.
Volume II: A Proposal to Perform Musick and Related Writings, 1685-1706
Focusing on the latter part of Thomas Salmon's work, this volume delves into his exploration of musical pitch reform. Salmon, known for his innovative ideas on musical notation, challenges existing concepts and raises thought-provoking questions about the nature and structure of musical pitch. His writings reflect a deep engagement with the theoretical aspects of music, aiming to inspire new approaches and understanding in the field. This collection captures the essence of his contributions to music theory during a transformative period.
John Wallis, a prominent British mathematician of the seventeenth century, is celebrated not only for his mathematical contributions but also for his writings on grammar and logic. His passion for music theory spurred him to translate significant ancient Greek texts by Ptolemy, Porphyry, and Bryennius into Latin, showcasing his interdisciplinary interests and involvement in scholarly discussions of his time.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO COUNT? WHY ARE HUMANS THE ONLY SPECIES ON EARTH THAT CAN DO IT? WHERE DID COUNTING COME FROM? HOW HAS IT SHAPED SOCIETIES ALONG THE WAY? AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Euklid auf den Fersen – eine grandios erzählte Reise zu den Anfängen der Mathematik Seit dreiundzwanzig Jahrhunderten prägen Euklids »Elemente« die Welt. Die Zusammenstellung von Fakten über den Raum und seine Eigenschaften – Linien und Figuren, Zahlen und Verhältnisse – bestimmen bis heute Philosophie, Kunst, Musik, Literatur und Mathematik. Dreizehn Bände, die nicht nur Wissenschaftsgeschichte schrieben, sondern auch zu ersten globalen Bestsellern wurden. Benjamin Wardhaugh entstaubt Euklids Vermächtnis und begibt sich auf eine Zeitreise. Von Ptolemaios bis Isaac Newton, von Lewis Carroll bis Max Ernst – hautnah erleben wir den Einfluss der »Elemente« auf die jeweilige Zeit und ihre Protagonisten. Die spannende Geschichte über das Grundlagenwerk menschlichen Wissens.
