Jacqueline Anne Stedall was a British historian of mathematics, celebrated for her nine books that delved into the historical evolution of mathematical concepts. Her work aimed to foster a deeper understanding of complex mathematical ideas and their development over time. Stedall's expertise and ability to clearly articulate challenging subjects also led to media appearances, including the BBC Radio 4 program 'In Our Time'. Her contribution lies in making the history of mathematics accessible and sparking broader interest in the field.
In this Very Short Introduction, Jacqueline Stedall explores the rich historical and cultural diversity of mathematical endeavour from the distant past to the present day, using illustrative case studies drawn from a range of times and places; including early imperial China, the medieval Islamic world, and nineteenth-century Britain.