Ian Stewart

The legendary Renaissance math duel that ushered in the modern age of algebra The Secret Formula tells the story of two Renaissance mathematicians whose jealousies, intrigues, and contentious debates led to the discovery of a formula for the solution of the cubic equation. Niccolò Tartaglia was a talented and ambitious teacher who possessed a secret formula—the key to unlocking a seemingly unsolvable, two-thousand-year-old mathematical problem. He wrote it down in the form of a poem to prevent other mathematicians from stealing it. Gerolamo Cardano was a physician, gifted scholar, and notorious gambler who would not hesitate to use flattery and even trickery to learn Tartaglia's secret. Set against the backdrop of sixteenth-century Italy, The Secret Formula provides new and compelling insights into the peculiarities of Renaissance mathematics while bringing a turbulent and culturally vibrant age to life. It was an era when mathematicians challenged each other in intellectual duels held outdoors before enthusiastic crowds. Success not only enhanced the winner's reputation, but could result in prize money and professional acclaim. After hearing of Tartaglia's spectacular victory in one such contest in Venice, Cardano invited him to Milan, determined to obtain his secret by whatever means necessary. Cardano's intrigues paid off. In 1545, he was the first to publish a general solution of the cubic equation. Tartaglia, eager to take his revenge by establishing his superiority as the most brilliant mathematician of the age, challenged Cardano to the ultimate mathematical duel. A lively account of genius, betrayal, and all-too-human failings, The Secret Formula reveals the epic rivalry behind one of the fundamental ideas of modern algebra.

Transactional Analysis for Depression is the first research-based, transactional analysis psychotherapy manual. Developed from the author’s research into TA therapy for depression, the book also draws upon a wide range of contemporary research findings relating to depression and its treatment. Mark Widdowson provides the reader with a solid understanding about the nature of depression and clear guidance about how to provide effective psychotherapy for depressed clients. The book is a step-by-step guide to therapy, from the point of first contact through to ending, and covers: The theory and practice of TA therapy Understanding factors which maintain depression Conceptualising depression using Transactional Analysis Original material on the mechanisms of therapeutic change Optimising the psychotherapy process Key therapeutic processes in the therapy of depression Tailoring the therapy to client needs An introduction to neuroscience and the medical treatment of depression Complete with an additional resources section, including downloadable material designed to be given to clients to enhance the therapeutic process and strengthen the working alliance, Transactional Analysis for Depression provides structured, practical guidance to TA theory for therapists in practice and training.

A respected physics professor and author breaks down the great debate over the Big Bang and the continuing quest to understand the fate of the universe. Today, the Big Bang is so entrenched in our understanding of the cosmos that to doubt it would seem crazy. But as Paul Halpern shows in Flashes of Creation, just decades ago its mere mention caused sparks to fly. At the center of the debate were Russian American physicist George Gamow and British astrophysicist Fred Hoyle. Gamow insisted that a fiery explosion explained how the elements of the universe were created. Attacking the idea as half-baked, Hoyle countered that the universe was engaged in a never-ending process of creation. The battle was fierce. In the end, Gamow turned out to be right -- mostly -- and Hoyle, despite his many achievements, is remembered for giving the theory the silliest possible name: "The Big Bang." Halpern captures the brilliance of both thinkers and reminds us that even those proved wrong have much to teach us about boldness, imagination, and the universe itself.

Understanding quantum mechanics matters because it is the engine that powers the universe. This engine is fuelled by a few simple principles, but the consequences of those principles are both profound and strange. In this richly illustrated book, quantum mechanics is explained using a finely balanced combination of words, diagrams and mathematics. The result is a tour of the most intriguing aspects of quantum mechanics, including Einstein's `spooky action at a distance', Bell's inequality, Schroedinger's cat, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, and de Broglie's matter waves. Supported by a comprehensive Glossary, Further Readings, and tutorial appendices, this is an ideal introduction to the mathematics of quantum mechanics.