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Finding Fibonacci

The Quest to Rediscover the Forgotten Mathematical Genius Who Changed the World
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Finding Fibonacci follows mathematician Keith Devlin on a ten-year quest to uncover the life and achievements of Leonardo of Pisa, better known as Fibonacci. The book reveals how Fibonacci’s work, especially his Liber abbaci, introduced modern arithmetic to the Western world. Though famous for Fibonacci numbers, his true legacy was making mathematics accessible to ordinary people. Devlin’s narrative blends historical research, personal diary entries, and explorations through medieval and modern Italy to illuminate how Fibonacci’s contributions helped revive Western science, technology, and commerce.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in mathematics, history of science, and biography. It suits those who enjoy accessible educational narratives and historical detective stories, especially individuals curious about the origins of modern arithmetic and medieval mathematics.

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A mathematician's ten-year quest to tell Fibonacci's storyIn 2000, Keith Devlin set out to research the life and legacy of the medieval mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, popularly known as Fibonacci, whose book Liber abbaci, or the "Book of Calculation," introduced modern arithmetic to the Western world. Although most famous for the Fibonacci num

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A mathematician's ten-year quest to tell Fibonacci's story.

In 2000, Keith Devlin set out to research the life and legacy of the medieval mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, popularly known as Fibonacci, whose book Liber abbaci, or the "Book of Calculation," introduced modern arithmetic to the Western world. Although most famous for the Fibonacci numbersβ€”which, it so happens, he didn't discoverβ€”Fibonacci's greatest contribution was as an expositor of mathematical ideas at a level ordinary people could understand.

Yet Fibonacci was forgotten after his death, and it was not until the 1960s that his true achievements were finally recognized. Drawing on the diary he kept of his quest, Devlin describes the false starts and disappointments, the unexpected turns, and the occasional lucky breaks he encountered in his search.

Fibonacci helped to revive the West as the cradle of science, technology, and commerce, yet he vanished from the pages of history. This is Devlin's search to find him.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Finding Fibonacci as an engaging and lively exploration. The New York Times Book Review calls it a "jaunty book," while Publishers Weekly highlights its entertaining and surprising history. Nature and Scientific American commend Devlin’s writing flair and dedication, including his detailed research and personal touches. The Library Journal describes the book as "engaging and entertaining," and the European Mathematical Society notes its personal and lively tone. Devlin’s enthusiasm shines throughout, making the story accessible and infectious.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691192307

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 July 2019

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 23 b/w illus.

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Keith Devlin is a mathematician at Stanford University and cofounder and president of BrainQuake. His many books include The Unfinished Game: Pascal, Fermat, and the Seventeenth-Century Letter That Made the World Modern. He is "the Math Guy" on National Public Radio.

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