A Divine Language: Learning Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus at the Edge of Old Age

This book is a spirited exploration of math’s deepest mysteries and conundrums. Decades after struggling with math as a boy, Alec Wilkinson embarks on a challenging journey to learn it as a middle-aged man. Despite his difficulties, he encounters unexpected mysteries and becomes fascinated. His personal growth transforms into an intellectually expansive exploration of the divine aspect of mathematics.

Wilkinson, a contributor to The New Yorker for over forty years, journeys into the heart of math’s mysteries, challenges, and revelations since antiquity. He investigates number theory, the creation of numbers, the debate over math’s origins, unsolved problems, and the conundrum of prime numbers. With warm humor and sharp observation, he traverses practical math’s frustrations and rewards, providing an awe-inspiring account of his adventure.

(This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)