Table Of Content“Stewart has a genius for explanation. . . . Mathematics doesn’t come more entertaining than this.”
—New ScieNtiSt
“Combines a deep understanding of math with an engaging literary style.”
—the waShiNgtoN PoSt
“Possibly mathematics’ most energetic evangelist.”
—the SPectator (London)
“Stewart is able to write about mathematics for general readers. He can make tricky ideas
simple, and he can explain the maths of it with aplomb. . . . Stewart admirably captures
compelling and accessible mathematical ideas along with the pleasure of
thinking about them. He writes with clarity and precision.”
—LoS aNgeLeS timeS
“A highly gifted communicator, able not only to explain the motivation of mathematicians
down the centuries but to elucidate the resulting mathematics with both clarity
and style. The whole is leavened by his inimitable understated wit.”
—the timeS educatioN SuPPLemeNt
$26.99 US / $30.00 CAN
ISBN 978-0-465-02973-0
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M
ost people are familiar with history’s
great equations: Pythagoras’s theorem,
for instance, or Newton’s Law of Gravity,
or Einstein’s theory of relativity. But the way these
mathematical breakthroughs have contributed to human
progress is seldom appreciated. In his new work, In
Pursuit of the Unknown, celebrated mathematician Ian
Stewart untangles the roots of our most important
mathematical statements to show that equations have long
been a driving force behind nearly every aspect of our lives.
Using seventeen of our most crucial equations,
Stewart illustrates that many of the advances we now
take for granted—in science, philosophy, technology, and
beyond—were made possible by mathematical discoveries.
For example, the Wave Equation allowed engineers to
measure a building’s response to earthquakes, saving
countless lives; without the Wave Equation, moreover,
scientists would never have discovered electromagnetic
waves, which in turn led to the invention of radio and
television. The equation at the heart of information
theory, devised by Claude Shannon, forms the basis for
modern digital communication systems, which have
revolutionized everything from politics to business to
interpersonal relationships. And the Black-Scholes model,
used by bankers to track the prices of financial derivatives
over time, led to massive growth in the financial sector,
thereby contributing to the banking crisis of 2008—the
effects of which we are still feeling today.
(continued on back flap)
$26.99 US / $30.00 CAn
(continued from front flap)
mAthemAtiCS
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≥ Δ Φ ∞ Φ Δ Φ ∞ Φ Δ ≤
≥ Δ Φ ∞ Φ Δ Φ ∞ Φ Δ ≤
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BASIC
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FINISH:
MATTE POLY
SPOT GLOSS ON
EQUATIONS ON
FRONT COVER
ian Stewart is Emeritus Professor of
Mathematics, active researcher at Warwick University in
England, and author of many books on mathematics. His
writing has also appeared in publications including New
Scientist, Discover, and Scientific American. He lives in
Coventry, England.
Jacket design by Jennifer Carrow
03/12
An approachable, lively, and informative guide to the
mathematical building blocks that form the foundations of
modern life, In Pursuit of the Unknown is also a penetrating
exploration of how we have long used equations to make
sense of, and in turn influence, our world.
© Avril Stewart
A Member of the Perseus Books Group
www.basicbooks.com
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Stewart
In Pursuit of
the Unknown
17 Equations That
Changed the World
IN PURSUIT OF THE UNKNOWN
Also by Ian Stewart:
Concepts of Modern Mathematics
Game, Set, and Math
The Problems of Mathematics
Does God Play Dice?
Another Fine Math You’ve Got Me into
Fearful Symmetry (with Martin Golubitsky)
Nature’s Numbers
From Here to Infinity
The Magical Maze
Life’s Other Secret
Flatterland
What Shape Is a Snowflake?
The Annotated Flatland
Math Hysteria
The Mayor of Uglyville’s Dilemma
Letters to a Young Mathematician
Why Beauty Is Truth
How to Cut a Cake
Taming the Infinite/The Story of Mathematics
Professor Stewart’s Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities
Professor Stewart’s Hoard of Mathematical Treasures
Cows in the Maze
Mathematics of Life
with Terry Pratchett and Jack Cohen
The Science of Discworld
The Science of Discworld II: the Globe
The Science of Discworld III: Darwin’s Watch
with Jack Cohen
The Collapse of Chaos
Figments of Reality
Evolving the Alien/What Does a Martian Look Like?
Wheelers (science fiction)
Heaven (science fiction)
IN PURSUIT OF THE
UNKNOWN
17 Equations
That Changed the World
IAN STEWART
A Member of the Perseus Books Group
New York
✺
Copyright © 2012 by Ian Stewart
Published in the United States in 2012 by Basic Books,
A Member of the Perseus Books Group
Published in Great Britain in 2012 by Profile Books
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be
reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of
brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information, address Basic
Books, 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016-8810.
Books published by Basic Books are available at special discounts for bulk purchases in the
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please contact the Special Markets Department at the Perseus Books Group, 2300 Chestnut
Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19103, or call (800) 810-4145, ext. 5000, or e-mail
