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Mathematics in Pop Culture - Popular Sources of Mathematics

Great Mathematics Reading Books

A copy of the poster that we display in Maths classrooms to encourage reading. Includes a list of books and QR codes for students to scan for direct links to Amazon sales. Maths reading books for sixthformers. University of Cambridge undergraduate maths reading list.

Books

Music of the Primes - Marcus du Sautoy

Hard work but some great bits of knowledge, especially on RSN and security of the internet.

Fermats Last Theorem - Simon Singh

Brilliant book based on solving Fermats Last Theorem and exploring many aspects of the history of maths in the process.

The Code Book - Simon Singh

Disappointing after reading Fermat's Last Theorem, but very interesting about codes and the Enigma machine.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night - Mark Haddon

Well recommended by many, "the chapters numbers are the prime numbers", but I found this to be somewhat tedious. This book does however give an different insight into understanding of aspergers syndrome.

17 Equations that Changed the World - Ian Stewart

Surprisingly enough this book contains 17 chapters, one per each of the 17 equations. Each chapter progresses nicely from straightforward to degree level mathematics.

The Universe in a Nutshell - Stephen Hawking

Tough going. Definately not bed time reading.

1089 And All That - David Acheson

A lovely little book, don't be put off by its size, with plenty of well written and easy to understand mathematical anecdotes. Best explanation of e that I've ever read, seen or heard.

The Man Who Loved Only Numbers - Paul Hoffman

A lovely little book, don't be put off by its size, with plenty of well written and easy to understand mathematical anecdotes. Best explanation of e that I've ever read, seen or heard.

Think of a Number - Johnny Ball

A nice book aimed at a younger audience, full of interesting facts and anecdotes.

Films

October Sky

Awesome, inspiring, a must see. One of my favourite films of all time. Every high school student should be made to appreciate this.

Contact

Great film based on book by great author Carl Sagan, great mathematical logic involving maths of a first contact from Aliens. Very poor ending.

Goodwill Hunting

Lovely film about problems faced by a very, very able Mathematician.