MATHEMATICS: FIRST STEPS

This is the second title in a new series called First Steps that has been conceived as the introductory books to comparatively complex fields. (The first was Chess Apprentice, 1961, p. 402, J-162). In selecting mathematics for this approach, and surveying it from arithmetic through Boolean geometry and Einstein's theory of relativity, the authors attempt to cover an amazing amount of territory and they manage surprisingly well. This was seen in galley, without any illustrations, nevertheless, their text format is effective. It looks like vers libre. There is one simple fact to each line and each line is short. These have a cumulative effect until the point being made sinks in. It should be emphasized that the book is an introduction. It doesn't go beyond that -- but it wasn't intended to. It should prove to be a valuable aid to teachers as well as students.