“Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.”
— Albert Einstein

Today is the birthday of everyone’s favourite wild-haired genius Albert Einstein as well as Pi Day — the annual celebration of the mathematical constant π, the first three digits of which are 3, 1, and 4.

To celebrate these two occasions, we’re not only planning to eat some pie (check out the delicious recipe for Killer Pecan Pie in Clueless in the Kitchen for inspiration) but also on brushing up on our math knowledge with great books on the subject.

Whether you’re a hardcore math enthusiast or you’re just interested in how mathematical theories apply to everyday life, we have a book for you. Check out our reading recommendations, and then take our quiz to see how much you know about the history of math.

For the math novice:

Mathematics 1001: Absolutely Everything That Matters in Mathematics in 1001 Bite-Sized Explanations

"Absolutely fascinating.... Dr Elwes is brilliant at giving the reader the broad perspective, with enough details to fascinate, rather than confuse." — Sonder Books blog review

For the sports enthusiast:

All the Right Angles: From Gear Ratios to Calculating Odds: Mathematics in the World of Sports

"A virtual feast of sport statistics, numbers, geometry and trivia." — Canadian Teacher 

For the history buff:

The Mathematics Bible: The Definitive Guide to the Last 4,000 Years of Theories

"Packed with details, history, and illustrations of the actual math in action!" — GoodReads review

For the general knowledge aficionado:

The Math Behind: Discover the Mathematics of Everyday Events

"Whether readers are math geeks looking for new ways of applying mathematics principles or just curious to see how math might actually be applicable in everyday life, this fun, enlightening book will not disappoint." — Publishers Weekly

For the math mastermind:

The Puzzle Universe: A History of Mathematics in 315 Puzzles

"This trove contains puzzles, brain teasers and games, some of which date back thousands of years." — Wall Street Journal

 

TAKE THE QUIZ.

 

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Get the books:

 Mathematics 1001: Absolutely Everything That Matters in Mathematics in 1001 Bite-Sized Explanations

 All the Right Angles: From Gear Ratios to Calculating Odds: Mathematics in the World of Sports

 The Mathematics Bible: The Definitive Guide to the Last 4,000 Years of Theories

 The Math Behind: Discover the Mathematics of Everyday Events

 The Puzzle Universe: A History of Mathematics in 315 Puzzles