Good Math: A Geek's Guide to the Beauty of Numbers, Logic, and Computation (Pragmatic Programmers)

Amazon reviewers rightfully mention the computational background of this book. Unfortunately, the publishers are giving "canned" general science readership hype and background reviews (possibly to increase the readership base) on the usual pi, golden triangle, zero, i, e, etc. topics that make for pop sci math. This book is FAR BETTER (and a LOT different) than those! Publishers take note: you will sell MORE of this fine text by simply being honest and pointing out how different it really is by bringing in unique computational topics and examples.Sure, Mark covers a bit of background on historic (and even pop sci) math, and does the usual genuflection to pi, zero, e, i, etc. but then rapidly moves into computational math topics never covered in the pop sci books like group theory, transfinites, the halting problem, and many more, using computer math as both examples and primary chapters in some cases. Even where he covers the i/e/pi topics, he does so with very unique examples, including computation (I'm calling numerical analysis and graph theory computer math so I don't scare away potential readers, because the author DOES NOT write or assume math above high school level. On the other hand, if you are in math, you'll still love many of the building blocks here. I write DSLs for robotics and even with a Masters in applied math thoroughly enjoyed this book).Highly recommended, ironically FOR anyone with a general interest in very up to date math topics, due to the examples from IT. Knowing about the computer frame of reference can really enhance your enjoyment even as a general math fan, because Chu-Carroll uses examples, humor and very clear explanations even though many of the topics are new, relevant, up to date and unique.Library Picks reviews only for the benefit of Amazon shoppers and has nothing to do with Amazon, the authors, manufacturers or publishers of the items we review. We always buy the items we review for the sake of objectivity, and although we search for gems, are not shy about trashing an item if it's a waste of time or money for Amazon shoppers. If the reviewer identifies herself, her job or her field, it is only as a point of reference to help you gauge the background and any biases.

There are some beautiful ideas in this book (the section on Euler's formula in particular I found to be sublime), but the first few chapters left me scratching my head. The concepts in the first couple of chapters still haven't made it truly into my comprehension yet, whereas those in later chapters enter much more readily. I mention it to avert the unwary reader from giving up too early, as I almost did and am glad I eventually did not.Also, it quotes Pi wrong about a third of the way through. It's one of those things you expect a math book to get right :)

Solid intro to many concepts for the casual reader, with tips on further exploring the topics and bits of history mixed in. I haven't taken a math class in many years and had knowledge of a few of the topics via other studies, but this helped move things along conceptually and didn't feel like a dense or intimidating book as many math titles, even geared toward non-experts, often are.

I have not yet to complete this book, but the first 5 chapters are any indication I got my money's worth and way more with that. For once in my life, I felt connected with Mathematics. Love those chapters about the special numbers, zero, e, i, phi etc. Its a joy to read this book, and I am not even a mathematics aficionado. Its just a thinking/reading man's book to refresh and re-frame the mathematical conversation and the way of looking at numbers.

The format could be better. The book is small with wide margins, which makes the lines very short. The content is a collection of posts on various topics. Some more interesting, some less.

This is a good book, especially for its right selection of topics that are of great interest for computer scientists -and mathematicians obviously. The only reason I am giving it three stars is because the book contents is *plagued* with typos, errors and formatting inconsistencies. I wish I had written down them as I was reading it.

I liked the way the author presents each topic. His writing is lucid, and he seems to enjoy teaching as much as he enjoys mathematics. Even though I was familiar with most of the topics in the book, he managed to provide new insights. That by itself is worth more than the cost of the book.

It's a very complete book, from simple to very complex math.If you are or you want to be a programmer, this book is for you.Also it is oriented to the general public who can enjoy it in the same way.

classic

Whilst the range of topics is good, the quality of the writing is poor (at a level you would expect on a blog rather than in a book), and the material is rather too heavy on opinion. I was not confident in the factual correctness of the material, and found some statements rather vague or circular. There are plenty of better popular mathematics books elsewhere.

Very good book on some of the fundamentals of computer scienceThe rest of the words are to allow me to post

I am German, and you must have a good command of English to understand the text.The topic is advanced mathematics. You must love mathematics, to love this book. But if you do, you will be amazed. Fluent and easy reading style. I enjoyed it.