In one of those coincidences that mathematicians themselves would say probability theory was designed to fathom, October will see the publication of two new books dealing with the history of mathematics. McLeish (Mathematics/Victoria Univ., B.C.) chooses the straightforward historical approach, from preliterate to ancient to contemporary societies, providing plenty of examples of exactly how the Maya or the Mesopotamians calculated, or how modern computers do today. John D. Barrow (reviewed above) also covers the tally sticks and finger-counting of early days, but his focus is more on the foundations of mathematics, the paradoxes and conceptual conundrums that have given rise to 20th-century angst. Both McLeish and Barrow decry the baleful influence of Greek and later Christian antiscientific attitudes that plunged the West into the Dark Ages while Indian and Arab mathematics flourished. McLeish adds interesting examples of Hebrew probabilistic thinking and logic in the Talmudic tradition. He then proceeds to the development of modern mathematics through the work of Newton, Napier, Babbage, and Boole down to the computer age. His and Barrow's books complement and supplement each other, with McLeish more concerned with the how, Barrow with the why. Neither McLeish nor Barrow seems terribly taken with computers. Somehow, both would agree, mathematics is larger than that—as evidenced in this informative book.
Pub Date: Oct. 21, 1992
ISBN: 0-449-90693-0
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Ballantine
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1992
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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