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The Nothing That Is: A Natural History of Zero
The Nothing That Is A Natural History of Zero
Author: Robert Kaplan
A symbol for what is not there, an emptiness that increases any number it's added to, an inexhaustible and indispensable paradox. As we enter the year 2000, zero is once again making its presence felt. Nothing itself, it makes possible a myriad of calculations. Indeed, without zero mathematics as we know it would not exist. And without mathemati...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780195128420
ISBN-10: 0195128427
Publication Date: 10/15/1999
Pages: 225
Rating:
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
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5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
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rocheklip avatar reviewed The Nothing That Is: A Natural History of Zero on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
In tracing the origin of the zero and it's use, the author also examines early number systems.
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d-avid avatar reviewed The Nothing That Is: A Natural History of Zero on + 6 more book reviews
The combination of broad humanistic references, speculative spirit, elegant (sometimes poetic) style and (last and, for me, least)careful mathematical explanation makes this a really extraordinary book. I was totally engrossed in it while reading, and have found myself rethinking many of the ideas since I finished it. I look forward to re-reading it in perhaps six months. I'm sure I'll discover yet more richness that I missed the first time around. This book is not for everyone, but if you have the intellectual energy to invest, you'll be amply rewarded. All in all, it's a wonderful celebration of what the human mind is capable of at its most expansive.


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