This new book by the author of 'The Music of the Primes' combines a personal perspective on the thoughts of a working mathematician with the story of one of the greatest adventures in mathematics: the search for symmetry.

It is the story of how humanity has come to understand the mysterious world of symmetry – a topic of fundamental importance to how we interpret the world around us.

Our eyes and minds are drawn to symmetrical objects, from the sphere to the Swedish cross, the pyramid to the pentagon. Symmetry indicates a dynamic relationship or connection between objects, and it is ubiquitous: in chemistry and physics, the concept of symmetry explains the structure of crystals or the theory of fundamental particles. In evolutionary biology, the natural world exploits symmetry in the battle for survival. Symmetry and symmetry breaking are central to ideas in art, architecture, and music. Mathematical symmetry is even used in industry, for example, to find efficient ways to store more music on a CD or to keep your mobile conversations free of interference.

Marcus du Sautoy constantly seeks to push his boundaries to find ways to share the joy of mathematics with a broader audience. This book documents his personal quest to master one of the most innate and elusive concepts, and to demonstrate the complexity and beauty of the world around us.

Pages: 400, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm