Richard Elwes

I agree with another reviewer about the layout. I'll add that the publisher's (I can't believe the author wrote it) repeated insistence on the cover that "this is the only math book you will ever need!" also drove me away.

I've had this on a shelf for years. I recently took it down because I'm doing an all-math reading year ... and a lot of this reading is pretty, um, thick, at least sometimes. Because the presentation of this book screamed "fluffy" I decided to grab it for some relief.

It is *not* fluffy. The contents range from basic to ... well, really not basic at all. You won't find extensive coverage of any particular thing, here -- that would have required a MUCH larger book -- but you will find wonders, surprises, things you didn't knew worked/existed/ ... and in the 'simple' stuff, too. It's completely delightful. I even wrote the author earlier today to tell him how much I liked it (he's gotten positive reviews from some mathematical heavyweights on this book, too -- so you needn't believe little old me). If you enjoy mathematics at all this is a great browsing book, and for me, a keeper.… (mere)

I got through less than half before I had to return it to the library, so I'll just have to buy it! It is one of the most accessible STEM books I've had the pleasure of reading.

While it's a reference book, Mathematics 1001 can be read cover to cover. It's a survey of mathematics grouped by ideas rather than difficulty - so number theory is tackled all the way from arithmetic to the Riemann hypothesis, then geometry, and so on.

I really enjoyed delving into the big ideas of mathematics and understanding the theories behind some exotic concepts. Because each section builds on the previous ones, I was able to work my way through even the trickier sections with a slightly rusty high school math education. I can't say I have a deep understanding of all of it, but I think you could hand this book to a bright eighth grader and they would get something out of it.

Recommended for people who enjoy puzzles, patterns, visual art, and examining the framework of the universe for fun and profit.… (mere)