“The book serves as a guide to mathematics, from preschool to postgraduate years, for anyone who would like a second chance at the subject. My intention is not to fill gaps. My purpose is to provide you with a better sense of what mathematics is and why it captivates those who master it. [...] I hope that all the ideas we will explore will bring you joy, and several moments will serve as a source of inspiration for you.”

Mathematics is closely linked to all aspects of life: How should you turn your mattress to make the most of it and wear it out as little as possible? How many people should you date before settling down with your permanent partner? How exactly does Google conduct searches on the Internet? Why are some infinite sets bigger than others? Are there sine waves in the stripes of a zebra? What role did the arithmetic of negative numbers play on the eve of World War I? How do new mathematics influence our daily lives as we search for restaurants online and try to understand fluctuations in the stock market? Mathematics is everywhere if you know where to look.

Steven Strogatz, by including topics from pop culture, medicine, law, philosophy, art, and business in his discourse, becomes the mathematics professor we all wish we had in school. In his book The Joy of x, you will enjoy profound wisdom and lasting pleasure.

What they said about it:
• “A delightful exploration of the beauty and delight of mathematics, continuing the tradition of Lewis Carroll, George Gamow, and Martin Gardner. [...] The Joy of x will entertain you, astonish you, and make you smarter.” — Steven Pinker, Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Harvard University
• “I loved this beautiful book from its first page. With unique insight, accessibility, and grace, Strogatz deconstructs mathematics as a field that inspires fear and yet respect, and reconstructs it as a world that is approachable and magical. [...] Pure delight.” — Janna Levin, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Barnard College (New York)
• “Simply put, this book is fantastic. It introduces the reader to the underlying concepts of mathematical science, explaining the reasons for its strange language and elucidating the conceptual frameworks that truly make it easier to understand complex problems. In a world where mathematics is essential but most people have a poor understanding of it, Strogatz's teaching skills and his gifted writing talent are a significant contribution.” — Lisa Randall, Professor of Theoretical Physics, Harvard University
• “Strogatz has discovered a 'magic function' that transforms 'mathematics' into 'delight,' page by (wonderful) page. He takes everything that made you puzzle over mathematics and makes it clearer and even better — he makes it wonderful, enjoyable, and awe-inspiring.” — Daniel Gilbert, Professor of Psychology, Harvard University
• “A delightful antidote to math phobia, which afflicts most students exposed to the typical curriculum. [...] The Joy of x presents the fundamental ideas of the major areas of mathematics in an engaging and entertaining language.” — Science News
• “Its delightful [...] easily digestible chapters include a wealth of enlightening examples and illustrations. You will never forget the Pythagorean theorem again!” — Scientific American
• “An elegant overview of the major fields of mathematics by an expert in writing both popular books and scientific reference manuals. […] A great book for the bright and curious, including children from elementary to university level and beyond.” — Kirkus Reviews
• “Mathematicians, in a marvelous way, can see patterns and shapes in the universe that the rest of us are usually blind to. With clarity and humorous detachment, The Joy of x opens a window into this hidden world of beauty and wonder.” — Alan Alda, Actor