The Art of the Infinite

The Pleasures of Mathematics

By: Robert Kaplan, Ellen Kaplan

Narrated by: Ray Chase

The Art of the Infinite takes infinity, in its countless guises, as a touchstone for understanding mathematical thinking. Robert and Ellen Kaplan guide us through the “Republic of Numbers,” where we meet both its upstanding citizens and its more shadowy dwellers; and transport us across the plane of geometry into the unlikely realm where parallel lines meet. The journey is enriched by deft character studies of great mathematicians (and equally colorful lesser ones). And as we go deeper into infinity, we explore the most profound mystery of mathematics: Are its principles eternal truths that we discover? Or ones that we invent?

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2003, 2014 Robert and Ellen Kaplan (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Difficult for the ear...

most likely better seeing than hearing, and occasionally the lists of various things gets monotonous.

a demanding read but worth it

This will cover a lot of ground and will offer insights even to seasoned mathematicians. A worthwhile book.

Surprisingly pleased!

This was an audiobook that I had not expected to be in literary performance. However I was pleasantly surprised in the performance of the audiobook! It became quite a beautiful literary interpretation of all of mathematics.
Something unexpected occurs in chapter 6 of the Audible audiobook at the 7:40 section. You get to see the inner workings of the audiobook being performed by the narrator. Apparently a section of bloopers audio was not clipped out when it should have been. Still it was a great performance and I learned a lot.

Great mathematics, amazing listen

Ray Chase gives superb narration to a sometimes challenging text. The story and explanations of classic results in mathematics are both poetic and illuminating. Immensely enjoyable! Some editing glitches however.

Flowery prose and esoteric math <> good audio

Would you try another book from Robert Kaplan and Ellen Kaplan and/or Ray Chase?

Probably not. This book is probably better than the audiobook. I could see this being assigned reading for a high school math class, to try to bring the subject matter to life for students, but I found it very hard to get through. Still haven't finished it.

What could Robert Kaplan and Ellen Kaplan have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I was expecting more backstories to the mathematical concepts involved. Instead, it read more like an ode to math - how I love thee, let me count the ways.

Any additional comments?

I may not have read the book summary closely enough. In any event, not what I expected and came away disappointed.