A Little History of Mathematics

A lively, accessible history of mathematics throughout the ages and across the globe

Mathematics is fundamental to our daily lives. Science, computing, economics--all aspects of modern life rely on some kind of maths. But how did our ancestors think about numbers? How did they use mathematics to explain and understand the world around them? Where do numbers even come from?

In this Little History, Snezana Lawrence traces the fascinating history of mathematics, from the Egyptians and Babylonians to Renaissance masters and enigma codebreakers. Like literature, music, or philosophy, mathematics has a rich history of breakthroughs, creativity and experimentation. And its story is a global one. We see Chinese Mathematical Art from 200 BCE, the invention of algebra in Baghdad’s House of Wisdom, and sangaku geometrical theorems at Japanese shrines. Lawrence goes beyond the familiar names of Newton and Pascal, exploring the prominent role women have played in the history of maths, including Emmy Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani.

Snezana Lawrence works as a senior lecturer at Middlesex University, London, and was the chair of the History and Pedagogy of Mathematics International Study Group between 2020 and 2024. She is the author of The New Year’s Present from a Mathematician and editor of Mathematicians and Their Gods. She is on X as @snezanalawrence and @mathshistory.