--- product_id: 8573482 title: "What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods" price: "₹ 5505" currency: INR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.in/products/8573482-what-is-mathematics-an-elementary-approach-to-ideas-and-methods store_origin: IN region: India --- # What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods **Price:** ₹ 5505 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods - **How much does it cost?** ₹ 5505 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.in](https://www.desertcart.in/products/8573482-what-is-mathematics-an-elementary-approach-to-ideas-and-methods) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description For more than two thousand years a familiarity with mathematics has been regarded as an indispensable part of the intellectual equipment of every cultured person. Today, unfortunately, the traditional place of mathematics in education is in grave danger. The teaching and learning of mathematics has degenerated into the realm of rote memorization, the outcome of which leads to satisfactory formal ability but does not lead to real understanding or to greater intellectual independence. This new edition of Richard Courant's and Herbert Robbins's classic work seeks to address this problem. Its goal is to put the meaning back into mathematics. Written for beginners and scholars, for students and teachers, for philosophers and engineers, What is Mathematics?, Second Edition is a sparkling collection of mathematical gems that offers an entertaining and accessible portrait of the mathematical world. Covering everything from natural numbers and the number system to geometrical constructions and projective geometry, from topology and calculus to matters of principle and the Continuum Hypothesis, this fascinating survey allows readers to delve into mathematics as an organic whole rather than an empty drill in problem solving. With chapters largely independent of one another and sections that lead upward from basic to more advanced discussions, readers can easily pick and choose areas of particular interest without impairing their understanding of subsequent parts. Brought up to date with a new chapter by Ian Stewart, What is Mathematics?, Second Edition offers new insights into recent mathematical developments and describes proofs of the Four-Color Theorem and Fermat's Last Theorem, problems that were still open when Courant and Robbins wrote this masterpiece, but ones that have since been solved. Formal mathematics is like spelling and grammar--a matter of the correct application of local rules. Meaningful mathematics is like journalism--it tells an interesting story. But unlike some journalism, the story has to be true. The best mathematics is like literature--it brings a story to life before your eyes and involves you in it, intellectually and emotionally. What is Mathematics is like a fine piece of literature--it opens a window onto the world of mathematics for anyone interested to view. Review: Not just a book but an intellectual discussion - This book is like discussing with an old friend about mathematics. Whenever I come back to this book, I learn something new and I understand math a little better. This book will teach you advanced concepts and theorems. It does not have the wording of an average textbook. It feels like you are having an intellectual debate. Trivia: Albert Einstein read the first edition of this book. Review: Very good - Very good ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #82,843 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #44 in Mathematics History #57 in Mathematics (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 561 Reviews | ## Images ![What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zK5v0ayCL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not just a book but an intellectual discussion *by D***E on April 11, 2024* This book is like discussing with an old friend about mathematics. Whenever I come back to this book, I learn something new and I understand math a little better. This book will teach you advanced concepts and theorems. It does not have the wording of an average textbook. It feels like you are having an intellectual debate. Trivia: Albert Einstein read the first edition of this book. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good *by S***I on April 15, 2026* Very good ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The perfect eternal classic! A must study for any educated person. *by L***4 on March 10, 2024* I was already kind of old when I learned about this book, but it still influenced every aspect of my life. These kinds of books teach wisdom, not just the subject in the title. It reveals the beauty of Mathematics and the inconceivable nature of this imperfect world that follows its perfect laws. ## Frequently Bought Together - What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods - The Joy Of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity - Journey through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.in/products/8573482-what-is-mathematics-an-elementary-approach-to-ideas-and-methods](https://www.desertcart.in/products/8573482-what-is-mathematics-an-elementary-approach-to-ideas-and-methods) --- *Product available on Desertcart India* *Store origin: IN* *Last updated: 2026-05-24*