Without calculus, we wouldn't have mobile phones, televisions, ultrasounds, or the global positioning system. We wouldn’t have unraveled the mystery of DNA, discovered Neptune, or found how to fit 5,000 songs on a flash drive.

Although many of us were intimidated by this essential and fascinating subject in high school and college, Steven Strogatz's ingeniously creative, down-to-earth narrative shows that calculus is about simplicity rather than complexity. Calculus tames an otherworldly number, infinity, to tackle real-world problems by breaking them down into smaller parts and reassembling the answers into solutions that are awe-inspiring.

The book recounts how calculus enticed and captivated its inventors, starting from its first glimpses in ancient Greece and leading us to the discovery of gravitational waves. Strogatz reveals how this form of mathematics has responded to the challenges of every age: in determining the area of a circle, explaining the retrograde motion of Mars, generating electricity with magnets, succeeding in space missions, diagnosing diseases, and addressing infections like HIV/AIDS.

As Strogatz demonstrates, calculus is truly the language of the Universe. By revealing the principles of this language, Infinite Powers inspires us to marvel at our world from the beginning.

What they said about it:

• “This may be the most exciting book I've ever read. If you have even the slightest curiosity about mathematics and the role it plays in this world, I strongly encourage you to read this amazing book. It will benefit every teacher, every student, and every citizen.” — Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education, Stanford University

• “Warning: this book is dangerous. It will make you fall in love with mathematics. Furthermore, there is a non-zero chance it will transform you into a mathematician.” — Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Professor of Risk Management, New York University

• “A tour de force. [...] Elegant and flowing, it speaks to all of us, reminding us why mathematics matters in a practical sense, while continually showcasing its prowess and especially its beauty.” — Lisa Randall, Professor of Theoretical Physics, Harvard University

• “Are you one of those who always said that one day you would learn calculus? Well, that day has arrived, thanks to Steven Strogatz's new book, which covers a wide range of the subject, is accessible, reads like a breeze, and touches on one of humanity's most significant inventions.” — Jordan Ellenberg, Professor of Mathematics, University of Wisconsin

• “An airy, clear, entertaining, informative, and joyful book. If you want to learn about the origins of calculus, how it works, what it’s good for, and where it is headed, this is the book you need.” — Ian Stewart, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, University of Warwick

• “A stunning [...] presentation of the ideas and history of calculus — a book for everyone.” — Brian Greene, Professor of Theoretical Physics, Columbia University

• “It is a wonderful book. Steven Strogatz manages to reveal the true wonder and delightful simplicity of calculus. Infinite Powers is a masterpiece of accessible writing on mathematics and a perfect read for anyone who feels they never really understood what all the fuss was about. It brought me great joy.” — Hannah Fry, Lecturer in Mathematics, University College London

• “If calculus is the language of the Universe, then Steven Strogatz is its Homer. With liveliness, insight, and simplicity, he explains the deeper ideas that underlie one of humanity’s greatest intellectual achievements. His book Infinite Powers offers immeasurable pleasure.” — Daniel Gilbert, Professor of Psychology, Harvard University

• “Reading Infinite Powers reminded me why right now Steven Strogatz is the best mathematician among writers and the best writer among mathematicians.” — William Dunham, Professor of Mathematics, Muhlenberg College, Pennsylvania

• “The Universe is a vast thing made up of an infinite number of infinitely small things. That's the lesson of calculus, the most powerful mathematical technique ever invented. [...] In this charming book, Strogatz illuminates the significance of calculus and explains its mysteries as only he can.” — Sean Carroll, Professor of Theoretical Physics, California Institute of Technology

• “Steven Strogatz is a world-class mathematician and writer. With a friendly approach and great clarity, he transforms his deep knowledge of calculus into a captivating epic that tells the amazing story of a mathematical revolution that changed the world — and continues to change it.” — Alex Bellos, The Guardian

• “Exciting stories abound in the book Infinite Powers. [...] Strogatz uses just the right amount of technical detail to clearly explain complex concepts. [...] He expressively describes how calculus illuminates the patterns of the Universe, both large and small.” — Anil Ananthaswamy, Nature