# What are some of the best book in mathematics for general reader? [closed]

I am preparing a list for my department library, consisting books of mathematics for general readers. I've included The men of mathematics by Bell, Fermat's last theorem by S.Singh , The man who knew infinity and The equation that couldn't be solved. But I need more books to add into my list. Can anyone suggest a few more, where mathematical development of certain concepts/problems or evolution is described in a lucid manner or contains mathematics which everyone can understand. Many thanks!

## closed as primarily opinion-based by user223391, Claude Leibovici, Daniel W. Farlow, Matthew Towers, mickepNov 23 '15 at 9:08

Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

• I've seen some pretty good popularizations on the shelves at Barnes & Noble. ${}\qquad{}$ – Michael Hardy Nov 23 '15 at 3:16
• I do not understand why this question has been closed. It is not asking for "the best" mathematics book. Just for some recommendations. How is this different from asking for a book recommendation on, say, Linear Algebra? – Mathmo123 Nov 23 '15 at 21:00
• I agree with Mathmo123: Any book recommendation will by definition be opinion-based, but this does not mean it is not useful. Such questions should be allowed. – Martin Peters Nov 24 '15 at 8:48
• I need to make a list so I asked here, and so far I am having good responses, so this question should be allowed. I need more suggestions. – Kushal Bhuyan Nov 24 '15 at 9:52

My recommendations

1. Taming the infinite by Ian Stewart.
2. The great mathematical problems by Ian Stewart.
3. Does God play dice by Mario Livio
4. Golden Ratio by Mario Livio

I would recommend these books:

Journey through Genius

Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula

Prime Obsession

The Music of the Primes

Gödel's Proof (by Ernest Nagel)

The Code Book

Here are some examples:

• Ian Roulstone, John Norbury: Invisible in the Storm: The Role of Mathematics in Understanding Weather
• Vladimir Arnold: Catastrophe Theory
• Julian Havil: GAMMA
• David Harel: Computers Ltd
• George Szpiro: Kepler's Conjecture
• Malba Tahan: The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures.

I've only read the first couple chapters (so far), but I really like the Springer Undergrad Texts in Mathematics book

Mathematics and its History by John Stillwell

Also, I don't think you can do wrong with Newton's Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica - 'twas the book that first roused my interest in matters physick and mathematick.

As well, I don't think one can do better than in the biography department than to walk out with Gauss's life story under his arm. Carl Friedrich Gauss - Titan of Science served as a most pleasant pre-bedtime adventure for a wonderful week of my life.

Mathematics by David Bergamini is good. Some of it (especially the parts about computers) is dated, but much of it is just as valid today as it ever was.