Discover fascinating facts about the history of numbers and counting with these engaging books. As learners read, they will come to see how numbers have shaped our world. From the first beginnings to computers and algorithms, our modern lives would be unrecognisable without the mathematics behind these inventions. Featuring a mixture of “olden but golden” texts and more recent editions, these books are both informative and entertaining.
The History of Counting
by Denise Schmandt-Besserat (Author), Michael Hays (Illustrator)
Review: The History of Counting provides a wonderful introduction to numbers. Denise Schmandt-Besserat makes a topic, which could appear dull, engaging and interesting to learn about. Drawing on her learnings as an archaeologist, she begins by introducing numbers’ early beginnings in the Middle East. She then explains how civilizations adapted the system to suit their needs before looking at our current usage of the base 10 system. Michael Hays’ beautiful illustrations bring the text wonderfully to life, instantly inviting learners to pick up the book and read. A visual delight, this book first published in 1999, remains appealing for young readers today.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 years and upwards.
In Great Numbers: How Numbers Shape The World We Live In
by Daniela Olejníková (Illustrator), Isabel Thomas (Contributor), Honigstein Raphael (Contributor), Niebius Maria-Elisabeth (Contributor), Klanten Robert (Contributor)
Review: Lively and vibrant, In Great Numbers: How Numbers Shape The World We Live In engagingly shows its readers how number has evolved and is used in our world. The book’s contents are presented using colourful, child-friendly accessible chunks of information. Each area of focus features a double-page spread. Topics addressed include: “Arms, hands and seeds: how the first measurements were based on nature”; “Hands, sticks and boards: how did ancient peoples count?”; “A new easier system: modern ways of measuring”. Intriguing spreads such as “Why even animals can count”, further peak readers’ interest. Visually appealing and full of fascinating facts, readers of all ages are sure to learn something new.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 – 11-year-olds.
Numbers: How Counting Changed The World
by Tom Jackson
Review: Part of the Inside Mathematics series, Numbers: How Counting Changed The World is an enlightening and accessible introduction to numeracy. Answering questions such as “How can one infinity be bigger than another?”, this bright, full-colour book explores numbers and their impacts. A great overview, this volume addresses concepts such as the Fibonacci sequence, binary and other bases, the number e and information theory in an engaging and accessible way. Throughout, Tom Jackson highlights their influence on the world around us. Perfect to dip into, this book would make a great resource for maths students of all ages.
Suggested Reading Age: 10 years and above.
The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure
by Hans Magnus Enzensberger (Author), Rotraut Susanne Berner (Illustrator), Michael Henry Heim (Translator)
Review: And now for something completely different. The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure takes readers on a whimsical mathematical story. The book follows Robert, a boy who hates maths, as he meets a Number Devil in his dreams. Over the course of twelve dreams, the Number Devil takes him deeper into the world of mathematics. He introduces Robert to mathematical ideas such as harmonic series, Goldbach’s conjectures and Pi. Rotraut Susanne Berner’s fun illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the text. Suitable for readers young and old, this book has a wide-ranging appeal fitting perfectly into the “olden but golden” category.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 to 11 years old. In my opinion, this would also be suitable for older readers due to the more advanced nature of some of the mathematical concepts addressed.
Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea
by Charles Seife
Review: Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea takes a deep dive into the history and nature of zero. Beginning with the birth of mathematics, Seife demonstrates how the concept of zero, stemming from Eastern philosophy, was initially rejected by the West before its ultimate acceptance. Ensuing chapters in the book look at zero and religion, the physics of zero and zero at the edge of space and time, for example. Written in a clear easy-to-understand style, non-mathematicians, as well as students of mathematics and other interested readers, can access its contents. Thought-provoking and engaging, readers will come away from this book far more enlightened. This is perfect for readers wanting to deepen their understanding of this most vital of numbers.
Suggested Reading Age: Older teenagers to adults.
Happy Reading!
Other Maths Posts You May Enjoy:
Fraction, Decimals and Percentages
Measurement: Volume & Capacity
Data Handling & Statistics: Making Sense of Our World
Maths Puzzle Books: Get Those Brains Working
Do YOU know of any other books about number and counting? If so, please leave a recommendation below .