The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Mathematics from One to Infinity

The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Mathematics from One to Infinity is written by Steven Strogatz. It is a non-fiction guide to mathematics and its ideas in everyday life.

Key details

• Author: Steven Strogatz
• Explores mathematics and its most compelling ideas
• Looks at how maths connects with everyday life
• Discusses topics ranging from negative numbers to calculus
• Also covers concepts including fat tails and infinity

Synopsis

Maths appears in more places than many people notice, and Steven Strogatz acts as a guide through the subject’s key ideas. The book presents a tour of numbers and the ways they connect with areas such as pop culture, literature, art, philosophy, current affairs and business, as well as everyday life.

Across the journey, Strogatz explains concepts from negative numbers to calculus, and from fat tails to infinity, with an approach described as clear, witty and insightful. It is written for both experts and beginners, and for readers who are smart and curious.