Ian Stewart’s “Significant Figures” aims to introduce us to the lives and work of 25 of history’s most important mathematicians, showing how their discoveries built the mathematics we use today. From Archimedes to William Thurston, the book offers a historical sweep, even including figures sometimes overlooked, like Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi and Ada Lovelace. But does it hit the mark for everyone?
What the Book Does Well:
- Humanizing the Geniuses: One of the strongest points, highlighted by many readers, is how the book brings mathematicians to life. Stewart explores their “colourful lives beyond their work,” giving us a sense of their unique personalities, family backgrounds, and social environments. This makes the often-abstract world of mathematics feel more relatable and less intimidating. Readers enjoyed learning about figures like Cardano and Alan Turing, with one anecdote describing Turing’s bicycle chain problem and how he found a mathematical solution.
- A Historical Perspective: The book offers a chronological history of mathematics, allowing readers to gain insight into how concepts developed over time. Stewart is praised for connecting the work of different figures, illustrating that great discoveries rarely appear out of nowhere but are built on centuries of effort by many people from various cultures. It provides a valuable “mid-level” overview of mathematical concepts.
- Highlighting Inclusivity (to an extent): The author makes an effort to include diverse figures, touching on non-Eurocentric perspectives and addressing the struggles women faced in the field. For example, the book discusses Emmy Noether’s theorem and how she fought against barriers to teach mathematics as a professor.
- Stewart’s Passion: Many reviewers noted that Stewart’s love for mathematics “drips off every page”. His enthusiasm is contagious, making even complex ideas feel fascinating, and his writing is often described as clear and fluid.
Where It Might Get Tricky (Points for Consideration):
- The Math Itself: This is where opinions diverge. While Stewart tries to make mathematical achievements approachable for non-mathematicians, many readers found the explanations could still be quite dense or use terminology not commonly understood without explanation. Some felt there wasn’t enough in-depth explanation to truly learn a concept, yet too much detail for a casual read. If you have little to no mathematical background, you might find yourself “awash at sea,” especially as the book moves into more advanced topics from the 20th century. As one reader put it, you “should be fine” if you understand the pun in the title, implying a certain level of mathematical tolerance is needed.
- Audiobook Format: A significant number of audiobook listeners struggled with the mathematical formulas and concepts being described verbally. If you’re a visual learner, reading the physical book is likely a better option to grasp the mathematics.
- Scope and Selection: With only 25 mathematicians covered in 280 pages, each individual gets about 10 pages. This means the coverage of their lives and work is brief, serving more as an introduction than an in-depth biography. Some reviewers felt certain prominent mathematicians, like Laplace, Pascal, Leibniz, or Euclid, were notably absent. There was also some debate about the inclusion of certain figures, such as Ada Lovelace, with one reviewer suggesting there was “absolutely nothing in this entry to suggest that King was in any sense a ‘trailblazing mathematician'”.
Who Is This Book For?
“Significant Figures” is perhaps best suited for those who already have a degree of tolerance for mathematical terminology and exposition, or scientists who use mathematicians’ work without knowing much about the person behind it. It serves as a great “appetizer” or an engaging introduction to further research for those interested in the human stories behind mathematical breakthroughs. If you’re looking for a deep dive into specific mathematical theories or a beginner’s guide to core concepts, this might not be the primary resource, but it could certainly spark your curiosity to learn more.
In conclusion, Ian Stewart’s “Significant Figures” is a lively and enjoyable read that provides a valuable historical overview and humanizes the often-abstract world of mathematics. While its success in explaining complex math to a general audience is mixed, it excels at telling compelling stories and inspiring curiosity about the brilliant minds who shaped our understanding of the universe.
