Pop-math book publishing coincidence

In summary, the conversation discusses two books, "In Pursuit of the Unknown" by Ian Stewart and "The Universe in Zero Words" by Dana Mackenzie. The books are about the history of mathematics and the equations that have changed the world. The conversation questions whether the authors are unhappy about the release of their books at the same time. The second book's description is described as self-contradictory as it aims to describe the universe in zero words, yet uses many words to do so. The conversation also raises the point that equations are meaningless without the accompanying words to explain them.
  • #1
patrickd
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  • #2
patrickd said:
... are the respective authors gnashing their teeth?
I don't know, but of the two I'd pick the first to read because the second author has embarked on the self-contradictory goal of describing a "universe in zero words" with pages and pages of words.

From the book description:
"At the same time, the book shows why these equations have something timeless to say about the universe, and how they do it with an economy (zero words) that no other form of human expression can match."

If the equations authentically represent the economy of zero words, we shouldn't need anything but those equations. In fact, though, the explanation by words is vital and the equations, themselves, are always codified sentences. F=ma doesn't mean anything until you understand it to be the sentence, "Force equals mass times acceleration".
 

1. What is a "Pop-math book publishing coincidence"?

A "Pop-math book publishing coincidence" refers to a situation where two or more popular math books are published around the same time, often with similar themes or concepts.

2. Why do these coincidences occur in the publishing industry?

There are a few reasons why these coincidences happen in the publishing industry. One reason is that certain topics or ideas may become popular or trending at a particular time, leading multiple authors to write about them. Another reason is that publishers may be competing to release books on a popular topic, resulting in similar releases around the same time.

3. Do these coincidences impact the success of the books?

It is difficult to determine the exact impact of these coincidences on the success of the books. In some cases, the competition may drive more publicity and interest in the books, leading to higher sales. However, it could also result in the books competing for the same audience and potentially impacting sales.

4. Are these coincidences planned by publishers or authors?

In most cases, these coincidences are not planned by publishers or authors. However, there have been instances where publishers may strategically release books on similar topics around the same time to capitalize on a trend or popular theme.

5. Is there any benefit to readers from these coincidences?

Yes, there can be benefits to readers from these coincidences. It can provide a variety of perspectives and approaches to a particular topic, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding. It can also introduce readers to new authors and ideas they may not have discovered otherwise.

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