MATH: Great books That teach math in historcal context ?

[christian0710]

Hi, I'm very interesting in learning simple geometry to more advanced math (calculus) And I'd love to find a history book that does a great job in teaching math, but doing it in a historical context, explanining why the need for geometry, degree, cartesian cordinate systems, calculus was nessecery, and how it was invented.

I find that just reading math to learn it, is kind of dry, but learning why it was important, why it was developped historically, or how it's used makes me appreciate it more.

Any suggestions?

 

[micromass]

This book is absolutely great: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387945512/?tag=pfamazon01-20 One of my favorites.

 

[slider142]

I have enjoyed reading Stillwell's Mathematics and its History .