John R. (rocheklip) 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.
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.
