Target New ArrivalsGift Ideas for MomClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesHome & DecorKitchen & DiningOutdoor Living & GardenGroceryHousehold EssentialsBabyBeautyPersonal CareHealthWellnessLuggageSports & OutdoorsToysElectronicsVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksSchool & Office SuppliesParty SuppliesGift IdeasGift CardsPetsUlta Beauty at TargetShop by CommunityTarget OpticalDealsClearanceTarget New ArrivalsSpring OutfitsGift Ideas for MomWomen’s Festival OutfitsTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores
A Perfect Harmony - by  David Darling (Paperback) - 1 of 1

A Perfect Harmony - by David Darling (Paperback)

$17.98Save $0.97 (5% off)

In Stock

Free & easy returns

Free & easy returns

Return this item by mail or in store within 90 days for a full refund.
Eligible for registries and wish lists

About this item

Highlights

  • A melodic odyssey through the interwoven worlds of music, physics and mathematics From the earliest of civilisations, humans have found ways to make music, whether through makeshift drums or artfully drilled bone flutes.
  • About the Author: David Darling is a science writer, astronomer and music producer.
  • 288 Pages
  • Music, Instruction & Study

Description



Book Synopsis



A melodic odyssey through the interwoven worlds of music, physics and mathematics

From the earliest of civilisations, humans have found ways to make music, whether through makeshift drums or artfully drilled bone flutes. But how did music - effectively little more than a series of certain tones and rhythms - become so integral to the human experience?

Untangling the curious links between notes and number, musical perception, psychology and physics, David Darling examines the fascinating science behind music, from its Palaeolithic origins to the present.

Revealing surprising connections and busting pervasive myths, A Perfect Harmony asks:

  • Why do musicians tend to be better at maths than non-musicians?
  • Why do we find some pieces sad and others happy?
  • Will playing Mozart to babies predispose them to genius?
  • Could an AI write the perfect symphony?



Review Quotes




'This deftly written book about the powerful intersections between music, maths and science... he packs in plenty of intriguing facts and anecdotes on a whistlestop tour of musical history... an engaging, accessible guide to a fascinating subject.' --BBC Music Magazine,

'Darling is one of Britain's finest maths writers, [and shows] how inextricably numbers are intertwined with artistic creativity... fascinating.' --Financial Times

'It comes as no surprise that many scientists were also musicians. A Perfect Harmony serves to solidify just how interlinked the fields are... Darling's observant musical odyssey across time reinforces that "music and maths are endlessly entwined... nourishing one another" and have done so for millennia. After all, at its simplest music is melody and rhythm, and rhythm cannot exist without maths.' --New Statesman

'Darling is not only a talented science writer with an expansive back-catalogue to his name but he is also an accomplished musician, and his enthusiasm for all things musical spills off the page... if there's a writer who can genuinely and credibly inhabit both sides of the arts-science cultural divide, it's Darling... Engaging and entertaining.' --Physics World



About the Author



David Darling is a science writer, astronomer and music producer. His books include the bestselling Equations of Eternity. Together with Agnijo Banerjee, he is the co-author of the Weird Maths trilogy and The Biggest Number in the World. He lives in Dundee, Scotland.
Dimensions (Overall): 7.7 Inches (H) x 5.1 Inches (W) x .9 Inches (D)
Weight: .55 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 288
Genre: Music
Sub-Genre: Instruction & Study
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Theme: Theory
Format: Paperback
Author: David Darling
Language: English
Street Date: August 5, 2025
TCIN: 1008299723
UPC: 9780861549856
Item Number (DPCI): 247-53-5473
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.9 inches length x 5.1 inches width x 7.7 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.55 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: What genre does this book belong to?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: This book belongs to the genre of music, specifically focusing on instruction and study.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Q: Who is the author of this book?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: The author is David Darling, a science writer, astronomer, and music producer.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Q: What age group is the book recommended for?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: The book is suggested for readers aged 22 years and up.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Q: What topics does the book cover?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: The book explores the connections between music, physics, and mathematics throughout human history.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Q: How many pages does the book contain?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: The book contains a total of 288 pages.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Additional product information and recommendations

Discover more options

Trending Music & Performing Arts

Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

Privacy policy