Another Sort of Mathematics - by Jacob Tawney (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Years ago, James V. Schall wrote Another Sort of Learning, a book listing those things you should read but probably were never required to read. It is not a curriculum, except maybe one "for life." This book you have in your hands is something of a mathematical tribute to Schall's basic idea and is aptly titled Another Sort of Mathematics. Like Schall's book, it is not a curriculum. It is, however, a list of some things from mathematics you should experience but probably were never required to experience. The theorems and proofs in this book represent, in a small way, some of the best that has been said within the discipline of mathematics.

There is something unique in the human soul that can only be satisfied by wondering about mathematics. And that means, regardless of your background, this book is for you. Reclaim your mathematical inheritance. Embrace the mathematician within you. Choose to wonder.

Review Quotes

--Christopher Perrin, founder, Classical Academic Press

Can mathematics be a super habit--a way of seeing that is, at once, illuminative of the here and now and transcendent? Jake Tawney says yes, and he offers compelling proof. Wise, witty, and practical, his contrary vision of mathematics frees his readers to experience what most of us miss. Our academies need this book. We all need to see what Tawney sees: that mathematics is true, good, and beautiful.

--Andrew J. Zwerneman, president, Cana Academy

It is exceedingly rare for a math book to be compelling to mathematicians and non-mathematicians alike, but Another Sort of Mathematics is just that. The problems and proofs are fascinating, the prose is lucid to readers of all mathematical backgrounds, and the stories, images, and analogies that accompany the math add a much-needed human dimension to the subject. Tawney's book challenges the division between "math-people" and "non-math-people," bringing new light to ancient wisdom and making "math-people" of us all.

--Jon Gregg, Professor of Education, Hillsdale College

"If there is something in math--or life--you want, make it happen (but be willing to deal with the consequences!)." Well, Tawney has made it happen, and the result is this stunning exposition. Tawney pulls readers into the awe of mathematics as a profound human endeavor--a celebration of curiosity and the soul's search for truth, beauty, and goodness. The consequences? A gift for us all.

--James Tanton, MAA (Mathematician-at-Large)

Another Sort of Mathematics is a singular sort of book about math. Many books plumb the wondrous depths of mathematics, but are esoteric. Other books are more accessible but fail to present mathematics in a way that makes readers rightly marvel at it. Tawney has gifted us with a book that is both accessible and soul-stirring. Read the book, apprehend mathematics as it truly is, and be awestruck.

--Albert Cheng, University of Arkansas

A wonderfully curated and sharply focused book that summons the wonders and pleasures of mathematics from its glorious heights to each of our longing souls. Tawney's delight in mathematics and his absolute mastery in teaching it are laid bare in every page.

--Satyan L. Devadoss, Fletcher Jones Professor of Applied Mathematics, University of San Diego

Mathematics thrives on play, wonder, and the pursuit of truth. Too often, math education is gamified or forced to tie in real-world contexts, overshadowing its intrinsic beauty. This book invites all readers to rediscover the power of mathematics through proof--a cornerstone that fosters curiosity and deeper understanding. By embracing proof, we are invited to honor mathematics as a joyful exploration, reminding us that its greatest rewards come not just from answers or procedures, but from the journey of discovery.

--Chris Bolognese, Presidential Award in Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, McElroy Master Chair in Math, Columbus Academy

Another Sort of Mathematics is a gift for both those who love mathematics and those who do not (yet). Through his excellent use of narrative, images, and argument, Tawney's book promises to arouse wonder, give delight, and deepen understanding of central tenets of modern mathematics. His book should also contribute to the important efforts underway to fully integrate modern mathematics into today's classical liberal arts curriculum.

--Andrew Seeley, president, Boethius Institute for the Advancement of Liberal Education

At last, in a single volume we find an antidote to the flat, uninspiring mathematics education to which most of us have been subjected. In accessible and amusing prose, Jake Tawney entices his readers to reconsider mathematics as an invitation to wonder. Whether one has a natural love of math or a persistent aversion to it, this book offers a chance to delight in its mystery, beauty, and meaning.

--Elisabeth Sullivan, executive director, Institute for Catholic Liberal Education

Jake Tawney's prose is pure joy. This book is a must read in the art of being fully human. For the first time I have been truly invited into the wonder and awe of mathematics and experienced the span of its truth, goodness, and beauty.

--Dan Scoggin, co-founder, Great Hearts

Because of the state of mathematical education, many readers probably just thought nothing could be more tedious, but that couldn't be more wrong. The proofs and theorems are delightful, surprising, elegant, and clearly explained. The math is, in fact, interesting in itself. As Tawney reminds us often, it is up to us whether we recognize that fact: "We must choose to find mathematics interesting."

--The Federalist

Tawney's metaphysics are unapologetically Platonic. This is an excellent position from which to begin to recover the possibility of real learning, as the machinery of fake expertise and empty credentials crumbles around us.

--First Things

About the Author

J. Jacob ("Jake") Tawney has been enamored by mathematics for as long as he can remember, from kindergarten to calculus. But he truly fell in love with it during his sophomore year at Denison University during a course on mathematical proofs. After completing an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from Denison, he continued his studies at The Ohio State University. There he earned a master's degree in mathematics, submitting a thesis on the mathematics of juggling. During his time in Ohio, Tawney taught at Upper Arlington High School and the Pontifical College Josephinum, including courses in Euclid and the philosophy of mathematics. In 2014 he relocated his family to Phoenix, Arizona, to join Great Hearts Academies, where he currently serves as the chief academic officer.

Jake is the proud husband of Christina and the proud father of eight children, all of whom have something unique in their souls that can only be satisfied by wondering about mathematics.