Heavenly Mathematics: The Forgotten Art of Spherical Trigonometry

by Glen van Brummelen

An unparalleled illustrated history of spherical trigonometry from antiquity to today

Heavenly Mathematics traces the rich history of spherical trigonometry, revealing how the cultures of classical Greece, medieval Islam, and the modern West used this forgotten art to chart the heavens and the Earth. Once at the heart of astronomy and ocean-going navigation for two millennia, the discipline was also a mainstay of mathematics education for centuries and taught widely until the 1950s. Glen Van Brummelen explores this exquisite branch of mathematics and its role in ancient astronomy, geography, and cartography; Islamic religious rituals; celestial navigation; polyhedra; stereographic projection; and more. He conveys the sheer beauty of spherical trigonometry, providing readers with a new appreciation of its elegant proofs and often surprising conclusions. Heavenly Mathematics is illustrated throughout with stunning historical images and informative drawings and diagrams. This unique compendium also features easy-to-use appendixes as well as exercises that originally appeared in textbooks from the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, Science, History, Astronomy, Physics

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Yumeko (blushes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned something from every page, I don't think I'll be able to finish it, but maybe one day I can come back.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice volume that covers the basics of spherical trigonometry while also giving a nice history of the subject. It can function as a textbook (although, its shortness means it won't be comprehensive. The author lists plenty of resources for those with further interest, though.) I found it to be a delightful exposition of a subject that is barely taught anymore. I have not gone through the exercises, but they look to be well-chosen to reinforce learning and help explain the historical use of spherical trigonometry.

[Fernando Pestana da Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice and well written book on Spherical Trigonometry: part history, part popularization, and a large part development of the real technical mathematical stuff and its applications to navigation, this book is a beautiful introduction to a subject that, regrettably, is nowadays hardly studied in the school system, at any level whatsoever.

[Brian Borchers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spherical trigonometry is a subject that is seldom taught today, but historically, it was important in astronomy and celestial navigation. This book presents the history of the development of the subject and challenges the reader to actually learn the mathematics as it was developed.

[Steve Gross · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book I've ever read on spherical trigonometry (actually, the only book!). Diagrams were a little hard to follow but that may be due to the nature of the subject.

[Bart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you proud of our species

[Steadman Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent and interesting history of the development of spherical trigonometry. It could have had more development and examples for modern times.

[Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A godsend, for understanding the historical context, in which the study of the heavens and celestial "objects" arose. Copernicus and Plotemy, and next on my list. Recommended.

[Mills College Library]

516.24 V219 2013