A
mathematical memoir and creative writing exercise is not as odd as it might
sound. Abstract math is the bailiwick of fast-thinkers living in a very
esoteric world. Popular science and math books abound and Harris gets credit
for NOT making it all about him. The book is arranged in stand-alone chapters,
each illustrates a concept or personality which the layperson can (or may)
relate to. I was flummoxed by the chapter on the use abstract math in the
novels of Thomas Pynchon – specifically Against the day and the allusion
to automorphic forms and conic sections. Harris points out that reviewers of
Pynchon’s work often prefaced their critiques with the acknowledgement that
they know no math -- sad. Recommended to those enjoy a non-linear reading
adventure.
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