Product guide

Mathematics for the Nonmathematician by Morris Kline

Mathematics for the Nonmathematician by Morris Kline presents mathematics through cultural and historical context, tracing its development from ancient Greece to the present. It covers topics including logic, differential calculus and probability, with exercises and problems, making it a broad introductory read rather than a narrowly focused reference.

At a glance

Surveys the development of mathematics from ancient Greece through the Middle Ages and Renaissance to the present.
Topics include logic, number concepts, differential calculus and probability theory.
Includes exercises and problems alongside its historical and cultural perspective.

Price

£21.04Save 29%

Reference price: ~~£29.49~~

Price checked: 14 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Connects mathematical ideas with their historical and cultural development rather than treating them only as abstract procedures.
The wide range of topics offers a broad introduction, and exercises provide material for working through ideas.

Cons

Its 641-page length makes it a substantial read rather than a brief primer.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Dover
Publication date	1 Jan. 1985
Edition	Illustrated
Language	English
Print length	641 pages
ISBN-10	9780486248233
ISBN-13	978-0486248233

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	294 g
Dimensions	13.97 x 3.18 x 22.23 cm

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers seeking a historical and cultural overview of mathematics alongside explanations of key topics.
Liberal arts students and general readers interested in mathematical ideas and their development.

Less suited to

Readers looking primarily for a short, quick-reference guide or a narrowly focused textbook.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.4 / 5 · 368 ratings

5 stars71%71%
4 stars16%16%
3 stars7%7%
2 stars3%3%
1 star3%3%

Customer feedback highlights the presentation of mathematical concepts and an entertaining, insightful approach. Readability and writing style draw mixed reactions, with some finding the book easy to read and others describing it as wordy or pompous. For a broad, 641-page treatment, that difference in reading experience matters if you prefer concise prose. The supplied rating distribution is mostly in the highest categories, but ratings alone do not establish why readers responded as they did.

Positive themes

Customers describe the presentation of mathematical concepts as engaging and entertaining.
Some readers find the book insightful and say it offers a fresh perspective.

Mixed feedback

Feedback on readability and writing style is divided, with some readers finding it accessible and others finding it wordy or pompous.

Frequently asked questions

What topics does Mathematics for the Nonmathematician cover?

The listing names logic and mathematics, number concepts, differential calculus and probability theory, among other topics. It also describes a historical survey from ancient Greece to the present.

Does the book include exercises?

Yes. The listing says it contains exercises and problems.

Is this a concise mathematics guide?

No. The listed print length is 641 pages, so it is a substantial overview rather than a short reference.