I'm looking for a specific book on math (solved)

[McNutt]

About 20 years ago I was at a Barnes and Noble and picked up a very large book that detailed the history of math. I remember it discussing how some primitive civilizations only had four numbers: one, two, more than two and lots more than two. It talked about base 7 being used and how zero was first used.

I'd really like to get this book now, but I can't find it and don't know what it was called. I've seen The History of Mathematics online and I don't think that's it.

Does this ring any bells with any of you?

[Sudy]

This is the kind of question I find ChatGPT useful for. Yes, it often fails spectacularly, but it often provides a better starting point than simple googling.

Here were its suggestions... the final one may be the one you already mentioned as not being a match:

1. The Universal History of Numbers – Georges Ifrah
Pages: 658 (English edition, 1998)
Summary: A comprehensive exploration of how numbers and counting systems evolved across different cultures. Covers primitive counting methods, base systems (including base-7), and the invention of zero.

2. Number Words and Number Symbols – Karl Menninger
Pages: 480 (English edition, 1969)
Summary: Examines the linguistic and cultural history of numbers, including how early civilizations conceptualized and expressed numerical values.

3. A History of Mathematics: An Introduction – Victor J. Katz
Pages: 992 (3rd edition, 2008)
Summary: A broad historical overview of mathematical developments from ancient times to the modern era, including numeral systems and the role of zero.

[McNutt]

I found it! It's called A History of Mathematics by Merzbach and Boyer.

There were too many books with similar titles.

Thanks!

[Isgrimnur]

Foreword by Isaac Asimov

Added to cart

[Alefroth]

Foreword by Isaac Asimov

Added to cart

Then you might like Asimov on Numbers.