search for books and compare prices
Price
Store
Arrives
Preparing
Shipping
Jump quickly to results on these stores:
The price is the lowest for any condition, which may be new or used; other conditions may also be available.
Bibliographic Detail
Publisher
Basic Books
Publication date
November 1, 1998
Pages
214
Binding
Hardcover
Book category
Adult Non-Fiction
ISBN-13
9780465051588
ISBN-10
0465051588
Dimensions
1 by 5.75 by 8.75 in.
Weight
0.90 lbs.
Availability§
Out of Print
Original list price
$23.00
§As reported by publisher
Amazon.com says people who bought this book also bought:
A Numerate Life
A Numerate Life
Summaries and Reviews
Summary
Explores the ways in which statistical analysis and mathematical logic apply to everyday life
(view table of contents)Amazon.com description: Product Description:
What two things could be more different than numbers and stories? Numbers are abstract, certain, and eternal, but to most of us somewhat dry and bloodless. Good stories are full of life: they engage our emotions and have subtlety and nuance, but they lack rigor and the truths they tell are elusive and subject to debate. As ways of understanding the world around us, numbers and stories seem almost completely incompatible. Once Upon a Number shows that stories and numbers aren't as different as you might imagine, and in fact they have surprising and fascinating connections. The concepts of logic and probability both grew out of intuitive ideas about how certain situations would play out. Now, logicians are inventing ways to deal with real world situations by mathematical means—by acknowledging, for instance, that items that are mathematically interchangeable may not be interchangeable in a story. And complexity theory looks at both number strings and narrative strings in remarkably similar terms.Throughout, renowned author John Paulos mixes numbers and narratives in his own delightful style. Along with lucid accounts of cutting-edge information theory we get hilarious anecdotes and jokes; instructions for running a truly impressive pyramid scam; a freewheeling conversation between Groucho Marx and Bertrand Russell (while they're stuck in an elevator together); explanations of why the statistical evidence against OJ Simpson was overwhelming beyond doubt and how the Unabomber's thinking shows signs of mathematical training; and dozens of other treats. This is another winner from America's favorite mathematician.
Editions
Hardcover
The price comparison is for this edition
from Basic Books (November 1, 1998)
9780465051588 | details & prices | 214 pages | 5.75 × 8.75 × 1.00 in. | 0.90 lbs | List price $23.00
About: Explores the ways in which statistical analysis and mathematical logic apply to everyday life
About: Explores the ways in which statistical analysis and mathematical logic apply to everyday life
Paperback
from Basic Books (October 7, 1999)
9780465051595 | details & prices | 5.50 × 8.25 × 0.75 in. | 0.60 lbs | List price $15.95
About: A look at the newest and most advanced information theories includes hilarious stories, anecdotes and more, including a conversation between Groucho Marx and Bertrand Russell and an examination of the evidence in the O.
About: A look at the newest and most advanced information theories includes hilarious stories, anecdotes and more, including a conversation between Groucho Marx and Bertrand Russell and an examination of the evidence in the O.
Pricing is shown for items sent to or within the U.S., excluding shipping and tax. Please consult the store to determine exact fees. No warranties are made express or implied about the accuracy, timeliness, merit, or value of the information provided. Information subject to change without notice. isbn.nu is not a bookseller, just an information source.