Mathematics may be an enigma to many of us, but humans have been discovering its secrets since ancient times. From prehistoric "ant odometers" to our modern-day quest for higher dimensions, this discipline has shaped how we understand the world. In this updated edition of the Neumann Prize-winning The Math Book, which has sold nearly 150,000 copies, prolific expert Clifford A. Pickover covers significant breakthroughs in mathematical history. In more than 250 chronological entries, he shares a through yet accessible exploration of the subject, presenting intriguing facts and explaining its profound implications. The concepts covered here include cicada-generated prime numbers, magic squares, and the butterfly effect. Pickover also illuminates some of the most recent developments-the solution to the Erdös discrepancy problem; the discovery of a new shape called an einstein tile, which can cover an infinite surface and never repeat its patterns; and much more. Each topic is presented in a spectacularly illustrated spread, including formulas and real-world theorem applications, perfect for expanding your knowledge of math's limitless potential.