Reddit reviews One Two Three . . . Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science (Dover Books on Mathematics)
We found 12 Reddit comments about One Two Three . . . Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science (Dover Books on Mathematics). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Dover Publications
Not sure if they qualify as "beautifully written", but I've got two that are such good reads that I love to go back to them from time to time:
one, two, three...Infinity - George Gamow is what you're looking for.
One, Two, Three...Infinity
Yes, Bryson's is a good one. I'd also recommend some classic books: 1. The Universe and Dr. Einstein. 2. About any book written by George Gamow, like One Two Three . . . Infinity. 3. Thinking Physics. I think all these books are quite motivating.
to me, the most interesting mathematical history books are those with a targeted goal, meaning they cover the historical aspect of a specific topic, time period, person or group of people, etc. these, at least in my opinion, provide the most insight, as some of the more general books, particular those written for the general public, are too overarching to get much out of. also, another suggestion is to find biographies of mathematicians or physicists. i personally do not find any math history prior to the 1500-1600s or so that interesting, so all of my suggestions are appropriately biased.
a few suggestions are:
i don't know of many books that follow the history of a certain subject that are any good. most of my historical knowledge regarding a certain subject is taken from multiple sources. a good method is to read articles, track down the books and/or papers that are referenced by a certain book or paper you like, find biographies of the mathematicians involved, etc. for instance, interviews with mathematicians (like those in the ams notices and the one i posted the other day) are fantastic troves of information regarding the history of certain topics, because the story is being told by a direct participant.
1,2,3, Infinity - George Gamow. My favorite book ever and I am phd student in applied math.
If you (or someone else) really gets your head around the notion of "different sizes of infinity", and can give the proof that the set of reals is fundamentally "larger" than the integers, people will love it. I remember absorbing that argument (from the first chapter of Gamow's classic One Two Three... Infinity) at age 14, and showing it to freshman classmates, and they really liked it.
If he is into STEM, I think this book is the best possible guidebook to get him started. The book is titled "One Two Three... Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science" by George Gamow
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Two_Three..._Infinity
Your local lib shoudl have it, or you can buy it on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/One-Two-Three-Infinity-Speculations/dp/0486256642
The book is not just math, but all sorts of ideas of thinking.
I read it when I was in 6th grade and it definitely dramatically increased my interests in anything science especially Physics and especially discrete Math and logic (Computer Science).
EDIT: I have met such kids in my immediate social circles, all of them without exception, liked three things when in elem school (1) play chess (2) play Wii games, find the title "Wii Play" it has several logic and pattern recognition games that requires fast reaction time, such as, find two identical faces from a screen of 50 faces (3) any sort of memorizing games. They are usually much better than adults.
I know it's a little off-topic, but I enjoyed One Two Three ... Infinity by George Gamow.
I think you are on the right track. Take Physics C AP and Calculus BC your senior year and maybe continue taking programming. These classes will help you get ahead of your peers in College, especially Physics C which covers a great deal of material for a high school physics course. Also, apart from taking the right curriculum, I think the most important aspect of majoring in any field is having an interest in it. If your high school offers scientific research, like my high school did, I would enroll in the class. If you are lucky, you may be able to do some research in a nearby college, something that will definitely boost your college app and give you important experience. Also, I have some physics book recommendations that I highly recommend that you read at your age.
Check out these three books written by George Gamow. He has a talent in explaining difficult physics concepts to those who may not have that advanced of a scientific background.
One Two Three...Infinity, Thirty Years That Shook Physics,
Gravity
Stranger in a Strange Land - Heinlein
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress - Heinlein
The Gods Themselves - Asimov
Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card
I know that these are science fiction books, but these authors are well known for writing excellent fiction that explores philosophy, science, politics, society, and human interaction. I assure you that these books will force you to explore an entirely new way of looking at the world. Each one is refreshing, fascinating and an incredibly good read. I love and personally recommend each one (as well as others, if you are looking for further material).
If you are instead looking for a text that has inspired people in a particular field of study, I'd recommend you look at "One Two Three . . . Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science". Thousands of scientists and aspiring scientists have to thank this book for getting them interested in mathematics and science. It is written in an engaging, easy-to-understand way that has all of the class and poetry of a classic text.
Discrete mathematics with ducks!
Contemporary Abstract Algebra
An Illustrated Theory of Numbers
Visual Complex Analysis
Number-Crunching
The Magic of Math: Solving for x and Figuring Out Why
The Princeton Companion to Mathematics
The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure
Professor Stewart's Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities
Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid
One Two Three . . . Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science
Recently made a move and these are a few books on my shelf that stand out more.
There are so many beautiful mathematical images that could be chosen though and I do wish more publishers would have more creative book covers also.