The Pythagorean Theorem: A 4,000-Year History

As a social history book,you will probably be overwhelmed by the math formulas.As a mathmetical history book,you will be impressed by the story of this classical theorem.I never realised that so many of the isolated ancient cultures,developed their own version of the theorem.Much like the story of the 'Great Flood',it became a part of the universal folk-history of mankind.The noted scholars of yesteryear elucidated a profound numerical 'law of Nature',if not the most important.This arithmetical model has forever changed the way humankind has approached and proposed number problems and numerical functions.Einstein once said,'God does not play with dice.'.In other words,the cyclical laws of Nature are univerisal and steadfast,even if against the desires of humankind.The abstract rhythms of physical Nature can be measured and demonstrated in numerical constructions.Not too many books around,that deal with the sole topic of the encyclical global story of the Pythagorean theorem.I generally disagree with giving someone's name to an object,locus or idea.For example ,Mount McKinley or Pike's Peak,to name a couple.A better name would be ,'the Universal Theorem'.Yet,a lombard Greek has his surname attached,forever assuming his sole creative ownership over this profound theorem is correct.We still think so and his 'locus classicus' remains to this day.

Eli Maor is a fine mathematician who has produced some wonderful books on math topics for a general--well, let me say, educated--readership. His book, Trigonometric Delights, is my favorite. It is very interesting and engaging. I want to say "for an educated reader" again, though it seems rather redundant. Why would anyone who didn't know anything about trig and have an interest in the subject even bother to pick up the book? Still, as someone who spent more than ten years in high school math classrooms, I also found his work useful to interest and inspire my students (and myself). Since the class I taught most often was geometry, I was very happy to see this book on the Pythagorean theorem. I have to admit, as an avid reader on the subject, I was familiar with much of what's here; particularly, the historical development and the more "Euclidean" applications of the theorem. On the other hand, he developed some proofs and problems I hadn't seen before which I found quite interesting. Overall, however, I didn't find this book quite as engaging as some of his other work. I got the feeling he started off wanted to write a book that would have more universal appeal than some of his other titles. I mean, after all, nearly everyone knows what the Pythagorean theorem is, or has at least heard of it. But there wasn't nearly enough of the "simple" stuff and the last half of the book really goes quite far afield into mathematics without which someone without a pretty decent background in the subject will have a difficult time; particularly since the development is rather sparse in what feels like an aborted effort to keep things simple. Even some of the earlier demonstrations and proofs are a bit difficult if you don't have the background in Greek mathematics which, unfortunately, is often lacking these days. Still, as someone who loves geometry and has a pretty good background in it, I found much here to like. Any reader who feels confident in their mathematical ability will probably find much here to like too.

The Pythagorean Theorem could rightfully be called the 'Crown Jewel of Mathematics'. For from its truths and intellectual spawn come all the wonders of our modern word--high rises, automobiles, cell phones, interplanetary probes, you name it! Unfortunately, the last serious book on this subject was written over 80 years ago by an Ohio school teacher, Elisha Loomis. Enter Dr. Eli Maor! He has written an absolutely marvelous book about 'The Crown Jewel' that will captivate anyone with a good high school mathematics background. Read it and behold a wonder!