Much ADO about Numbers: Shakespeare's Mathematical Life and Times
Much ADO about Numbers: Shakespeare's Mathematical Life and Times
Much ADO about Numbers: Shakespeare's Mathematical Life and Times
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Description
Description
Shakespeare's era was abuzz with mathematical progress, from the new concept of "zero" to Galileo's redraft of the heavens. Now, Rob Eastaway uncovers the many surprising ways math shaped Shakespeare's plays--and his world--touring astronomy, code-breaking, color theory, navigation, music, sports, and more.
- How reliable was a pocket sundial?
- Was math illusionist John Dee the real-life Prospero?
- How long was a Scottish mile, and what could you buy for a groat?
- Do Jupiter's moons have a cameo in Cymbeline?
- How did ordinary people use numbers day-to-day?
- And might Shakespeare have tried that game-changing invention--the pencil?
Full of delights for devotees of both Tudor history and the Bard, Much Ado About Numbers is proof that the arts and sciences have always danced together.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
A playful and engaging book . . . bound to excite the appetite of all Shakespeare junkies.--Patrick Spottiswoode, Founder, Shakespeare's Globe Education
Instead of cleaving math and English in twain, Eastaway brings them together to surprise and delight the reader.--Dr. Rebecca Fisher, The English Association
An entertaining look at what really counts in the tragedies, comedies and histories.-- "Boston Herald"
As Eastaway explains, Shakespeare's works are richly adorned with numbers.-- "Financial Times"
This entertaining history . . . succeeds in outlining the mathematical and scientific ideas that trickled into the Bard's plays.-- "Publishers Weekly"
A fascinating and hugely entertaining guide to Shakespearean mathematics.--Sarah Hart, author of Once Upon A Prime
You can count on both Rob Eastaway and Shakespeare to make mathematics entertaining.--Sir Tim Rice
A spectacular journey. . . . Highly recommended!--Dr. Simon Smith, The Shakespeare Institute
A light, witty, and engaging tour through the mathematics hidden in Shakespeare's plays. . . . The book's charm lies in its balance: it is part literary insight, part math puzzle, and entirely enjoyable. Even readers who are not Shakespeare experts (or math enthusiasts) will find something entertaining and informative in the way Eastaway reveals just how much numerical playfulness is woven into the Bard's work.-- "The Use of English"
A Bloomberg Best Book of the Year
A 2025 Mathical Honor Book for Grades 9-12
"Presents the Bard's characters as calculating in a way you probably never considered.-- "The Washington Post" Highly readable. . . . Shakespeare's surprising yet unsurprising mathematical sophistication led to some of his most creative feats.--Bloomberg, a Best Book of the Year, selected by Chris Flowers This delightful book provides surprising examples of Shakespeare's references in his sonnets and plays to new discoveries in mathematics and science that were occurring at the end of the 16th century. . . . It offers an excellent opportunity for secondary school mathematics, science, and English teachers to collaborate.--Mathical Book Prize selection committee, a 2025 Honor Book
A 2025 Mathical Honor Book for Grades 9-12
"Presents the Bard's characters as calculating in a way you probably never considered.-- "The Washington Post" Highly readable. . . . Shakespeare's surprising yet unsurprising mathematical sophistication led to some of his most creative feats.--Bloomberg, a Best Book of the Year, selected by Chris Flowers This delightful book provides surprising examples of Shakespeare's references in his sonnets and plays to new discoveries in mathematics and science that were occurring at the end of the 16th century. . . . It offers an excellent opportunity for secondary school mathematics, science, and English teachers to collaborate.--Mathical Book Prize selection committee, a 2025 Honor Book
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Experiment
Pub date:
2026-04-21
Length:
224 pages
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