Mathematics in Victorian Britain
As a rule of thumb, if one reads a book and is unable to put it down, then it is a good book. I had to put this book down on several occasions; not because I disliked it, but because it inspired me to pick up a notepad and pencil and try several mathematics questions from nineteenth-century exam papers. The fact that I wanted to explore the book in this way, pick it up and carry on reading is a real testament to how wonderful good it really is. This is a book that provides something for a wider readership than first expected. For the mathematician, a broad variety of fields are addressed and their developments wonderfully described. For the historian, it gives a beautiful portrayal of Victorian Britain and the scholars and polymaths of that time, presented in such a way that advanced mathematical knowledge need not be necessary. For all those in between, it is a compelling read full of enthralling biographies and trivia." -- Graham Wheeler, Cambridge,Significance...the book is a very welcome addition to the history of mathematics literature and will serve as a valuable resource for information on British mathematicians in the Victoria era." --Mathematical Reviews"...a most enjoyable read." --MAA Reviews