To celebrate World Book Day on 6 March, we’re sharing a selection of our favourite maths-themed books. This list includes recommendations for readers of all ages and explores everything from the beauty, history, and real-world applications of mathematics through to numbers, logic, and mathematical thinking.

Whether you’re intrigued by the history of famous mathematical problems, the philosophical implications of zero, or how data can challenge our views of global trends, these books will expand your mathematical horizons and get you thinking. Happy World Book Day!

Recommendations For Young Readers and Students

• Math Curse – Jon Scieszka
  A humorous children’s book about a student who sees every aspect of life as a maths problem. This story introduces young readers to mathematical thinking in a fun and creative way.
• The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure – Magnus Enzensberger
  A whimsical introduction to mathematical concepts through the dreams of a young boy who meets the Number Devil. Through fun and fantastical scenarios, the book teaches mathematical concepts like infinity, prime numbers, and factorials in a way that is engaging for young readers. It uses storytelling to demystify maths, encouraging curiosity and making abstract ideas accessible to a younger audience.

We have another short reading list of books we recommend to students to enhance and enrich their understanding of maths and how it is used in real life. Click here to visit our reading list on the AMSP website.

Students and teachers can also subscribe to our SUMS (Steps to University for Mathematical Students) Magazine to gain access to our monthly book reviews and recommendations for Year 12 and 13 A level students.

Recommendations For Higher-Level Readers and Teachers

Exploring Mathematical Concepts:

• Alex’s Adventures in Numberland: Dispatches from the Wonderful World of Mathematics – Alex Bellos
  This book is a joyful exploration of numbers, mathematical puzzles, and the history of maths. Bellos examines everything from ancient number systems to modern-day mathematical phenomena, highlighting how deeply maths is embedded in our everyday lives and culture.
• Math Hysteria: Fun and Games with Mathematics – Ian Stewart
  A playful book of mathematical puzzles, thought experiments and conundrums showcasing the fun side of mathematical thought. Stewart brings a variety of maths problems to life and highlights the beauty of maths in everyday life.
• A Tour of the Calculus – David Berlinski
  Berlinski takes readers on an exploration of calculus, presenting its history, logic, and significance. The book explores how calculus developed and why it is so fundamental to understanding change and motion in the natural world. Berlinski’s poetic style brings clarity to mathematical ideas, making calculus more accessible for readers interested in exploring higher-level mathematics.
• Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions – Edwin A Abbot
  This classic novella tells the story of a two-dimensional world where inhabitants only perceive length and width. Abbot uses this imaginative setting to explore the concept of dimensions and geometric thinking. The book challenges readers to consider the possibility of higher dimensions and remains a popular introduction to geometry and spatial reasoning, offering both philosophical and mathematical insights.
• Flatterland: Like Flatland Only More So – Ian Stewart
  A sequel to Flatland, this book explores modern mathematical concepts like string theory, fractals, and quantum mechanics. Stewart expands on Abbot’s exploration of dimensions, taking readers on a journey through a contemporary mathematical landscape. It is both a tribute to the original Flatland and a reflection of how much maths has progressed since.
• Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction – Timothy Gowers
  This book offers a concise overview of some of the major ideas and concepts in mathematics, including set theory, infinity, probability, and algebra. Gowers explains why maths is important, not only in science but in everyday life. The book serves as an excellent starting point for anyone curious about the scope and beauty of mathematics.

Exploring Mathematics Throughout History and Culture:

• Fermat’s Last Theorem – Simon Singh
  This book tells the dramatic story of Pierre de Fermat’s famous theorem, which remained unsolved for over 350 years, until Andrew Wiles finally cracked it in the 1990s. Singh explores the history of number theory, the mathematicians who tackled the problem, and the eventual solution, explaining complex concepts in an engaging way. The book reveals how mathematical challenges can span centuries and how determination, creativity, and logic are essential in solving such puzzles.
• Vector: A Surprising Story of Space, Time, and Mathematical Transformation – Robyn Arianrhod
  Arianrhod explores the concept of vectors and their role in transforming our understanding of space, time and physics. The book explains how vectors help us navigate physical transformations in the world and in maths, offering a bridge between abstract theory and practical applications. The book provides a compelling but accessible introduction to mathematical thinking in relation to space.
• Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea – Charles Seife
  This book traces the history of the number zero, from its controversial beginnings to its essential role in mathematics, science, and philosophy. Seife explores the mathematical and cultural impact of zero, and its role in calculus, physics, and technology. The book highlights zero’s paradoxes and how this seemingly simple concept has revolutionised mathematical thinking.
• Genius at Play: The Curious Mind of John Horton Conway – Siobhan Roberts
  This biography tells the story of John Horton Conway, one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century, best known for inventing the Game of Life. The book explores Conway’s mathematical contributions to game theory, geometry, and number theory while also delving into his eccentric personality. Roberts portrays Conway as a playful genius whose love for puzzles, games, and mathematical exploration drove his ground-breaking work. The book celebrates the joy of mathematics and creative thinking.

Exploring Applied Mathematics, Science and Global Issues:

• “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!”: Adventures of a Curious Character – Richard Feynman
  A collection of humorous and insightful anecdotes from Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. Though the book primarily focuses on his life and experiences in science, Feynman’s playful curiosity and problem-solving mindset showcase a mathematician’s love for logic and puzzles. His stories highlight how curiosity about the world, whether in physics or maths, can lead to remarkable discoveries. The book indirectly touches on the value of thinking like a mathematician.
• Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think – Hans Rosling
  Rosling uses data and statistics to challenge the overly negative view many people have about global issues such as poverty, population growth, and health. The book explains how understanding numbers and trends better can give us a more accurate and optimistic view of the world. By making data accessible and breaking down misconceptions, Rosling emphasizes the importance of mathematical thinking, critical reasoning, and statistical analysis in interpreting global realities.
• Not the End of the World – Hannah Ritchie
  Ritchie offers a data-driven perspective on why global challenges like climate change, poverty, and disease are being addressed more successfully than we may realise. By focusing on statistical evidence, she argues against pessimism and emphasizes how mathematical tools, like probability and trend analysis, help us to see long-term improvements. The book encourages a data-driven understanding of the world, using mathematics to balance narratives of doom with evidence of progress.