This is the captivating story of mathematics' greatest ever idea: calculus. Without it, there would be no computers, no microwave ovens, no GPS, and no space travel. But before it gave modern man almost infinite powers, calculus was behind centuries of controversy, competition, and even death.00Taking us on a thrilling journey through three millennia, professor Steven Strogatz charts the development of this seminal achievement from the days of Aristotle...

Calculus is the greatest mathematical breakthrough since the pioneering discoveries of the ancient Greeks. Without it, there would be no spaceflight, skyscrapers, jet planes, economic modeling, or accurate weather forecasting. One of the most powerful problem solving tools ever invented, calculus is a skill that can be learned. Its techniques are used to analyze situations involving change, to calculate optimum values, and to measure complex shapes....