A bit dated (what about the WOMEN of mathematics?) but still a classic: it's impossible to read this book and believe that mathematicians are boring! ( )

I finally read it. As the math evolved, the more it went over my head. It's a good resource at understanding great mathematicians, yet it's better if you understand the formulas. ( )

This was the book that piqued my interest in mathematics and the people who does mathematics for a living. Be aware that this book was written in the days when only caucasian western men did mathematics. Asian mathematics weren't considered and women mathematicians were considered to be novelties, not worthy of attention.

This book considered all of the heavy weights in mathematics at the time. From the Greeks onward until those mathematicians considered worthy at the time of Bell's writing. Bell's review of their lives are partly general biography, part assessment of their mathematics, and part psychological studies of why they did what they did. Bell is by no means an objective reporter of the facts. He definitely had his favorites and he had his not so favorites, and he was not shy about letting you know. That is partly why this is such a good book. He puts in his opinions of the foibles and genius of each of the men he is writing about and he puts their genius in a pecking order that he himself created. I found it informative and entertaining. Others may find it bothersome, but this is by far the most complete book of its kind for its day. I recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in mathematics and mathematicians. ( )

Tales looks back over the history of math and science and shares anecdotal stories mixed with facts about many of the world's greatest minds.

Although a lot of the stories are a bit far-fetched it was an enjoyable read. ( )

Thoroughly opinionated, sometimes historically inaccurate romp through mathematical genius. ( )