Readership: Historians of mathematics, students and teachers of mathematics, general readers with an interest in the history of mathematics and science.
Jacqueline A. Stedall, Clifford Norton Student in the History of Science, The Queen's College, Oxford; Member of the Centre for the History of the Mathematical Sciences, Open University, Oxford
"... this is a fascinating and stimulating read. Despite its evident scholarship it is never dry: there is a wealth of historical detail about these algebraists as people and their work is presented in a lively and lucid fashion ... here is a chance to get acquainted with some of the lesser-known names in the history of mathematics." - The Mathematical Gazette
"... a riveting read ... Stedall presents the history of 17th century algebra as a much richer topic than has traditionally been the case." - MAA Online
"... wonderfully lucid ... without any compromises on scholarship." - Tony Mann, University of Greenwich
Preface 1: ' A large discourse concerning algebra' 2: How algebra was entertained and cultivated in Europe 3: Ariadne's thread: William Oughtred's 'Clavis' 4: Rob'd of glories: Thomas Harriot and his algebra 5: Moving the Alps: the mathematics of John Pell 6: Reading between the lines: John Wallis's 'Arithmetica infinitorum' 7: Catching Proteus: the mathematics of William Brouncker 8: 'Many pretty things worth looking into' Bibliography/References
