The Thread: A Mathematical Yarn

by Philip J. Davis

Essays discuss mathematicians, mathematical history, translation, the steam engine, etymology, and their unexpected connections

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction

124 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1989

Reviews

[Brian Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all starts with Chebyshev, the “Chebyshev said it and I’ll say it again, there’s always a prime between n and 2n,” guy and how to really spell his name; but, alas, there is no mathematics in The Thread: A Mathematical Yarn. Instead, there is a wonderful tale of chasing bunny trails far & wide. And if the late Philip J. Davis, noted applied mathematician from Brown University and prolific author of such accessible works as the terrific, The Mathematical Experience, condones such activity, who am I to disagree? Which reminds me, since Chebyshev died in 1894, how is it that a certain kind of fancy radio circuit carries his name? I need to look into that….

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read, winding around a non-plot.

[Bill Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure. May have to reread it.