Pappus of Alexandria and the Mathematics of Late Antiquity

by Serafina Cuomo

Overview

This book is at once an analytical study of one of the most important mathematical texts of antiquity, the Mathematical Collection of the fourth-century AD mathematician Pappus of Alexandria, and also an examination of the work's wider cultural setting. This is one of very few books to deal extensively with the mathematics of Late Antiquity. It sees Pappus' text as part of a wider context and relates it to other contemporary cultural practices and opens new avenues to research into the public understanding of mathematics and mathematical disciplines in antiquity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521036894
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/21/2007
Series:	Cambridge Classical Studies
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	5.55(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.63(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. The outside world; 2. Bees and philosophers; 3. Inclined planes and architects; 4. Altars and strange curves; 5. The inside story; Bibliography; General index; Index locorum.

Editorial Reviews

"All in all, the publication provides a meaningful and insightful treatment of the mathematics of late antiquity." Mathematical Reviews

"Readable, interesting, and an eye-opener for those who have only met Greek mathematics at a superficial level. This little book in the 'Cambridge Classical Series' is one that mathematicians interested in the history of their subject will want to read." MAA Online

"This book contains an abundance of interesting historical material... Cuomo shows that we can learn much from looking at Pappus's Collection in its own right. Her book deserves careful study." Ali Behboud, ISIS

"The book is well written, in a pleasant style. The argument is based throughout on a wide range of sources, and the pertinence of the source and the leap from source to interpretation is always made clear. The reviewer felt well treated and entertained while reading and quite a bit wiser when closing the book." British Jrnl for the History of Science

From the Publisher