Republic of Numbers: Unexpected Stories of Mathematical Americans through History

by David Lindsay Roberts

This fascinating narrative history of math in America introduces readers to the diverse and vibrant people behind pivotal moments in the nation's mathematical maturation. Once upon a time in America, few knew or cared about math. In Republic of Numbers , David Lindsay Roberts tells the story of how all that changed, as America transformed into a powerhouse of mathematical thinkers. Covering more than 200 years of American history, Roberts recounts the life stories of twenty-three Americans integral to the evolution of mathematics in this country. Beginning with self-taught Salem mathematician Nathaniel Bowditch's unexpected breakthroughs in ocean navigation and closing with the astounding work Nobel laureate John Nash did on game theory, this book is meant to be read cover to cover. Revealing the marvelous ways in which America became mathematically sophisticated, the book introduces readers to Kelly Miller, the first black man to attend Johns Hopkins, who brilliantly melded mathematics and civil rights activism; Izaak Wirszup, a Polish immigrant who survived the Holocaust and proceeded to change the face of American mathematical education; Grace Hopper, the "Machine Whisperer," who pioneered computer programming; and many other relatively unknown but vital figures. As he brings American history and culture to life, Roberts also explains key mathematical concepts, from the method of least squares, propositional logic, quaternions, and the mean-value theorem to differential equations, non-Euclidean geometry, group theory, statistical mechanics, and Fourier analysis. Republic of Numbers will appeal to anyone who is interested in learning how mathematics has intertwined with American history.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Mathematics, History

252 pages, Hardcover

Published October 8, 2019

Reviews

[Kelsey Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little book full of mini-biographies of great US mathematicians. While it was not the most exciting of reads, I did love getting a glimpse into the lives of so many influential Americans in my field. I also loved the author’s intention to display a diverse group of people (not all just wealthy white men). As a teacher, I especially appreciated how many chapters were focused on the evolution of math education. I’m considering using this book in the future for a project, where I let students choose a chapter as a starting point and extend their knowledge by doing their own research about the chapter’s subject.

[Thom DeLair]

I approached this book with an interest in history rather than math. The twenty biographies give glimpses into some of the social aspects of math, whether among America's mathematicians or the general public's exposure to math. The short bios (usually ten or less pages each) helped keep the pace moving and helped avoid dull expositions.

The book also hints at some larger social phenomenon and math's role in historical events. For example, when the Soviets launched Sputnik in the 1950s, this pressed U.S. policy to improve math standards. Math, and it's dissemination to populations, are deeply related to technology, especially on an industrial level. The book hints on the relationship of industrialization and increasing aptitude for mathematics but doesn't venture deeply into the topic. As someone who is interested in American history, this was a quick read of relatively interesting biographies that gave this novice a sense of some of the various portrayals of math throughout American history.

[Thomas Hogeboom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a mathematician, but I thoroughly enjoyed Republic of Numbers. How I wish that Roberts' book had been taught in school when I was growing up. It would have brought mathematics to life. Instead, I was advised to endure the usual progression of geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and three semesters of calculus. I did well, but not once in my adult life did I ever find any use for most of what I learned. Give me instead the richness and diversity of the stories in Republic of Numbers. Kudos to Roberts!