Trigonometric Delights

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Trigonometry has long been viewed as a challenging and tedious branch of mathematics, often overshadowed by geometry. In this engaging exploration, Eli Maor transforms this perception by blending history, biography, and mathematics. He revives the subject through a lively narrative that highlights its essential contributions to science and societal progress. The book offers an overview of trigonometry's key elements alongside captivating stories and scientific curiosities. Maor begins with the proto-trigonometry of Egyptian pyramid builders and follows the evolution of true trigonometry through Greek astronomers. He details the development of modern analytical trigonometry during the Renaissance, driven by the need for better artillery, clocks, and musical instruments. The narrative features notable figures like mapmaker Gerardus Mercator, artist M. C. Escher, and the Renaissance scholar Regiomontanus, whose life was marked by intrigue. Readers also encounter Maria Agnesi, an 18th-century mathematician who, despite her departure from mathematics, explored a curve now known as the witch of Agnesi due to a mistranslation. Richly illustrated with rare prints from the author's collection, this work promises to reshape our understanding of a once-dreaded subject.