I think this kind of book is important. I admit I had more questions than anything when reading because it's so hard for me to understand. But I still think it's an important process, questions can be more important than answers. It's a part of the power of deeper thinking.. and being a part of a human thought continuum. ( )

A comprehensive survey of mathematics, from Babylonian number systems to 20th century analysis, with emphasis on the areas you'd expect: ancient Greek geometry, Arab work on polynomials, the development of analysis in Europe, etc. A tad dry in places, but very clear and thorough. The presentation doesn't assume a particularly high level of mathematical sophistication on the part of the reader, but on the other hand, why in the hell would you find this book interesting if you haven't already done some mathematical work?

The story proceeds chronologically in more or less self-contained chapters that focus on particular areas and eras, so this book can be used as a reference by people who don't want to read the whole thing. In addition to its general utility as a history, Boyer's book gives you an appreciation what a vast human undertaking mathematics has been. Even something like basic algebra, which now seems so obvious and common-sensical, represents a tremendous feat of intellectual innovation.

If you're looking for a good popular exposition of the ideas of mathematics rather than the history per se, a good place to start is The Mathematical Experience by Davis and Hersh.

TBR