"The coherence of mathematics is on display in this masterful, beautifully written synthesis. With probing questions, lucid explanations, and fascinating examples and stories, John Stillwell reveals where the seemingly separate branches of math came from, how they intertwine, and why the hidden unifier is the deepest idea of all: infinity."--Steven Strogatz, Cornell University and author of The Joy of x

"This is a beautifully written overview and excursion through elementary mathematics, written to appeal to nonspecialists. The book is distinguished by its breadth of scope and precise details. It will be a classic in the field."--David Bressoud, Macalester College

"[A] sophisticated treatment of topics usually described as elementary."--John Allen Paulos