Much Ado About Numbers

Chalkdust

24 February 2025

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Rob Eastaway is a mathematician, writer and Chalkdust author. Much Ado About Numbers (Maths Gear, Waterstones) is all about the connections between maths and Shakespeare.

Style

The book feels like taking a stroll through a museum with a tour guide excitedly pointing out the maths as you walk along. Each chapter has a different focus, from numbers to astronomy to the arts. The topics covered in each chapter are incredibly varied and show just how far mathematics reaches.

Control

Rob Eastaway has clearly put lots of effort into writing a cohesive story of the maths appearing in the work of Shakespeare with many instances of “word appearance” statistics and quotes of Shakespeare’s work. We also meet (and potentially debunk) a number of conspiracy theories along the way.

Damage

The book introduces many mathematical ideas through quotes of Shakespeare’s work. Although there exist other literature focussed math books, Rob’s book is one of a kind. Not only does it explore the maths in Shakespeare’s works, it also investigates how Shakespeare may have learned these mathematical ideas.

Aggression

This book is suitable for math lovers, history lovers, Shakespeare lovers, basically, everyone and no background knowledge is required to enjoy this books wonderful story.

You can vote for your favourite book on the Book of the Year shortlist below. The winning book will be crowned the Chalkdust Readers’ Choice. Voting closes at midday (GMT) on Wednesday 26 February 2024.

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