History of Pi (edit title)

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Liked It Rated 5 stars “The history of pi (the number) and through it the history of mathematics, human understanding, prevailing opinion, prejudice, and persecution. It's also sprinkled with delightful quotes and tidbits.” see full review » see other reviews »

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  • Rated 3 stars

  “The History of π is a fascinating work in the sense that it provides a narrative which frames for the reader, the development of this infamous mathematical constant’s calculation. The logical sequence of mathematical proofs as interwoven with the text is surely the strong point of the work. The weakness lies in the author’s multitude of obvious personal biases. Beckmann’s passionate political views quickly transform his attempt at a serious account in the history of science, to an ardent rant against all which he considers to be the root of societal evils. Consequently, his attack on Imperialism, the Church, and other institutions of power and orthodoxy should be expected, and they are not terribly callous. There are, however, some definite historical misrepresentations and oversights.
  The biggest error in Beckmann’s thesis is his attempt to draw a divisive line between those who were engaged in so called “true” science and those who flirted with the occult. Recent studies have clearly indicated that many of the greatest scientific minds in Western history –including Newton, whom the author holds in such high esteem- did in fact experiment with occult practices.
  Beside its flaws the book still stands as an interesting work of quasi-interdisciplinary scholarship.
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  Jesse E wrote this review Friday, October 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 0 stars

  “An interesting book, but even I had to skim over some of the math! This book is only for the very, very mathematically oriented.”

  Piguy118 wrote this review Sunday, February 3 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 5 stars

  “The history of pi (the number) and through it the history of mathematics, human understanding, prevailing opinion, prejudice, and persecution. It's also sprinkled with delightful quotes and tidbits. ”

  Dvortygirl wrote this review Saturday, January 19 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 4 stars

  “History through the prism of pi. Math and history separated enough so you can skip ahead if you prefer.”

  EMM1338 wrote this review Monday, September 24 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  
  
  • Rated 4 stars

  “Satisfies the inner-nerd.”

  KRobins wrote this review Tuesday, September 4 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No