This book aquaints you with the pure fundamentals in the calculus, topology, limits and convergence, the number system........just buy this book, ok. If you're here, and thus considering buying this book, let me assure you that it is well worth it.

If you love mathematics, you will love this book; and if you love this book, you're in love with mathematics.


Timeless.   April 16, 2003
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Einstein writes..."Easily understandable." And Herman Weyl,..."It is a work of high perfection." It is both for
beginners and for scholars. The first edition by Courant and Robbins, has been revised, with love and care, by Ian Stewart.
Of the sciences, math stands out in the way some central ideas and tools are timeless. Key math ideas from our first mathematical experiences, perhaps early in life, often have more permanence this way. While the fads do change in math, there are some landmarks that remain, and which inspire generations. And they are as useful now as they were at their inception, the fundamentals of numbers, of geometry, of calculus and differential equations. The authors are ambitious in trying to cover the essetials within the span of 500 plus pages. You find the facts, presented in clear and engaging prose, and with lots of illustrations.


A classic overview of pure mathematics   February 7, 2001
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

A wide-ranging overview of pure mathematics, first published in the 1940s, now re-issued and brought up to date with an additional chapter by Ian Stewart, this book is at the level of a capable student at the higher end of high school mathematics (A-level in the UK) or the beginning of a mathematics degree.

The scope of this book is awesome, covering number theory, geometry, topology, calculus, and much more. The chapter on projective geometry is a real treat, as it explores a beautiful topic that has dropped out of the modern maths syllabus. The only noticeable omission is group theory, which gets only a passing mention.

The style is clear, although the pace is rapid, and the reader is expected to fill in some details. There is an emphasis throughout on rigour - where this is relaxed for the sake of brevity, this is clearly signalled.

An appendix of problems and exercises (without answers) encourages further exploration of each topic.

A true classic and an enhancement to any mathematician's bookshelf.


The best book on mathematics which I ever read!   November 26, 1998
 10 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is a "must read" for every student of mathematics, engineering and the sciences. You will not fail to learn something.