Once Upon a Prime: The Wondrous Connections Between Mathematics and Literature

The connections between math and literature are explored in the book 'Once Upon a Prime' by Professor Sarah Hart, revealing new layers of beauty and wonder. It shows how math and literature are complementary parts of the same quest to understand human life and our place in the universe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Once Upon a Prime: The Hidden Mathematics of Literature is a captivating and well-written exploration of the intricate connections between mathematics and literature. Author Sarah Hart's delightful style and deep passion for both subjects make this book a truly delightful read. Whether you're a bookworm or a number-lover, this book offers a wealth of insights and surprises that will expand your understanding of the creative interplay between stories, structures, and sums.

In this book, Professor Hart challenges our conventional perception of mathematics and literature as disparate fields and demonstrates how they are, in fact, fundamentally linked. She reveals the surprising ways in which mathematical concepts and principles are embedded in literature, from the use of mathematical metaphors and patterns to the exploration of complex mathematical theories and algorithms.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this book is the way in which Professor Hart weaves together a wide range of literary examples, from classic novels to contemporary poetry and even popular movies. She shows how mathematics can enhance our understanding and appreciation of these works, and how literature can inspire new mathematical discoveries and theories.

For instance, did you know that Moby-Dick, the classic novel by Herman Melville, is full of sophisticated geometric concepts? Professor Hart explains how Melville used mathematical principles to create the intricate structure of the novel, from the whaling ships' trajectories to the mathematical patterns in the whales' vocalizations. Similarly, James Joyce's stream-of-consciousness novels are deliberately checkered with mathematical references, reflecting Joyce's fascination with the mathematical nature of consciousness.

Once Upon a Prime also delves into the mathematical obsessions of other literary figures, such as George Eliot, who was deeply interested in statistics and used them to explore the social and economic dynamics of Victorian society. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, wrote mathematician characters who played crucial roles in his investigations, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the acclaimed author of Half of a Yellow Sun, wrote a mathematician character who becomes a political activist in post-colonial Nigeria.

Through these examples and many more, Professor Hart shows how mathematics and literature are complementary parts of the same quest to understand human life and our place in the universe. She highlights the ways in which mathematical concepts can provide a new lens through which to interpret literature, and how literature can inspire new mathematical discoveries and theories.

In addition to its intellectual appeal, Once Upon a Prime is also a fun and engaging read. Professor Hart's writing style is lively and accessible, and she brings a sense of humor and enthusiasm to the subject matter. She makes complex mathematical concepts and theories accessible to a wide audience, without sacrificing depth or rigor.

This book will appeal to a broad range of readers, from those with a passion for mathematics and literature to those who are simply curious about the unexpected connections between these two fields. It will educate, amuse, and surprise, and may even add another dimension to the way we read and interpret literature.

In conclusion, Once Upon a Prime: The Hidden Mathematics of Literature is a must-read for anyone who loves both mathematics and literature. It is a captivating and insightful exploration of the intricate connections between these two fields, and will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 144 x 225 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008601089