| Zero is silently omnipresent in our lives in almost every way, but it has had to overcome numerous obstacles over the centuries. Robert Kaplan tells us how nothingness gradually came into being, opening its way across skeptical civilizations that resisted the idea, viewed as useless devilish sorcery.
Indians, Mayans, Egyptians, Greeks, Sumerians, Babylons... they all struggled with the concept. But due to its practical convenience, zero prevailed along with positional notation, thus making Mathematics evolve into a much more effective tool and a majestic science (or is it an art?). The second half of the book is devoted to exploring zero and its consequences, hence highlighting its importance in our time, as well as to playing around with it and to philosophical questions. | ||
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Kind Of History Time of history: - History of mankind Nationality? History of a science? Yes Kind of science - Math Subjects of this Historical Account Is the portrayal sympathetic? - Neutral Intelligence of subject of history: - Smart Main Adversary From a certain profession/group? How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - almost none Setting Europe Yes European country: - Greece - Germany - France Asia/Pacific Yes Asian country: - India Africa Yes Part of Africa: - Arabic Africa Writing Style How much gore? - 2 () How fast-paced is the book? - 2 () Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment Book makes you feel... - encouraged How much focus on stories of individuals? - Focuses mostly on the people/nation level Is this a kid's book? - Ages 16-Adult Pictures/Illustrations? - A handful Length of book - 201-250 pages |
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