{"product_id":"unknown-quantity-a-real-and-imaginary-history-of-algebra-9780452288539","title":"Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra","description":"\u003cb\u003ePerfect for history buffs and armchair algebra experts, \u003ci\u003eUnknown Quantity\u003c\/i\u003e tells the story of the development of abstract mathematical thought.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eJohn Derbyshire discovers the story behind the formulae, roots, and radicals. As he did so masterfully in \u003ci\u003ePrime Obsession\u003c\/i\u003e, Derbyshire brings the evolution of mathematical thinking to dramatic life by focusing on the key historical players. \u003ci\u003eUnknown Quantity\u003c\/i\u003e begins in the time of Abraham and Isaac and moves from Abel's proof to the higher levels of abstraction developed by Galois through modern-day advances. Derbyshire explains how a simple turn of thought from \"this plus this equals this\" to \"this plus \u003ci\u003ewhat\u003c\/i\u003e equals this?\" gave birth to a whole new way of perceiving the world. With a historian's narrative authority and a beloved teacher's clarity and passion, Derbyshire leads readers on an intellectually satisfying and pleasantly challenging historical and mathematical journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJohn Derbyshire is a mathematician and linguist by education, a systems analyst by profession, and a celebrated writer in his spare time. His work appears frequently in \u003cb\u003eNational Review\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eThe New Criterion\u003c\/b\u003e. Born and raised in England, he has made his home in the United States for the past fifteen years.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Penguin Publishing Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50491744682258,"sku":"9780452288539","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_cfc75248-186e-4199-9502-ed3d09721ca5.jpg?v=1730553602","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/unknown-quantity-a-real-and-imaginary-history-of-algebra-9780452288539","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}