Numerals

Cunningham, Kevin.  Numerals.  Morgan Reynolds  2013  64p     $27.45  ISBN 978-1-59935-396-8  ms/hs  series: The Biography of Numbers  Nonfiction  E-BN

This book tells the history of counting and the visual representation of numbers through centuries and various cultures.  It’s an engaging volume that will provide even the well-read reader with new facts related to numbers. The student will become quickly engaged in reading about this usually dull, dry topic because the text is extremely well written, with just enough fact interspersed within the historical context of the need for a system of counting that would allow people to go from zero to millions and beyond, and would facilitate calculation using simple and complex math concepts. It is also a fascinating look at the way written language preceded the written representation of how much and how many.  By bringing in current examples from banking, calculation devices, calendars, and the building of large structures, Cunningham shows us that we take for granted the things that ancient civilizations struggled to explain and calculate.  The description of the advances made by ancient civilizations in the realm of mathematics make this book a perfect supplement for ancient history classes and studies of India and the Middle East.  Colorful illustrations and examples of ancient writings help keep the reader focused.  Outstanding short history of numbers.           

The Biography of Numbers consists of four titles written in an engaging style with colorful illustrations.  A quick history of mathematics and the use of numbers.  Famous people who developed concepts, practical applications of numbers, and a timeline.  Gr. 6-12.   

History of Mathematics, History of Numbers            --Lois McNicol

Pi

Cunningham, Kevin.  Pi.  Morgan Reynolds  2013  64p   27.45 978-1-59935-394-4  elem/ms  series: The Biography of Numbers  Nonfiction  E-BN       

The author has written a well documented account of the history, growth, and discoveries of pi.  In 1680 B.C., pi was first discovered in Sumer.  Knowledge of pi’s properties developed slowly until recently, when mathematicians utilized the computer.
The inclusion of photographs, several lists on where to obtain more information, and a glossary/index makes this book a useful research tool.  The inclusion of web sites for youngsters is also important in school classrooms today.  Up-to-date photographs further enhance the information in the book.

The flow and balance of the text and full-color visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for young and reluctant readers.

This book is one in the Biography of Numbers series.  The series consists of four books at this time.  The general theme of the series is mathematics.  The books are Pi, Zero, Measurement, and Numerals.     

Summary: A well documented account of the history, growth, and discoveries of Pi from 1680 until modern day.          

Mathematics                                           --Linda McNeil

Zero

Cunningham, Kevin.  Zero.  Morgan Reynolds  2013  64p  $27.45     ISBN 978-1-59935-39-2   elem/ms  series: The Biography of Numbers  Nonfiction  E-BN              

The concept of nothing did not develop until man started building complex societies with a need to record quantities: how much property, how far, how heavy, or how much profit.  The first idea of nothing was probably put forth by the Egyptians who used numbers to design the pyramids.

However, it wasn’t until an Indian astronomer born in 598 CE finished his scientific masterpiece that zero was discussed as a number.  This idea of zero and looking at numbers as an abstract concept allowed the development of the concept of positive and negative numbers.  In 1200, Leonardo Pisano Bigollo published a book on mathematics that was based on nine Indian figures: 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and the sign 0.  This changed Western mathematics. Fibonacci’s practical examples of this system revolutionized commerce.  As the author says, “the concept of zero made today’s science and technology possible.”

The inclusion of photographs, several lists on where to obtain more information, and a glossary/index makes this a useful research tool. The inclusion of web sites for youngsters is also important in school classrooms today.  Up-to-date photographs and web sites further enhance the information in the book.
    

The flow and balance of the text and full-color visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for young and reluctant readers.
     

This book is one in the Biography of Numbers series.  The series consists of four books at this time.  The general theme of the series is mathematics. The books include: Pi, Zero, Measurement, and Numerals. 

Summary: The concept of nothing did not develop until man started building complex societies.  The first idea about nothing was probably put forth by the Egyptians.  Without the concept of zero, today’s science and technology would not be possible.     

Mathematics, History of Mathematics             --Linda McNeil