Is it possible to capture the whole nature and spirit of mathematics using only simple materials?

The Spirit of Mathematics is the third book in a loose trilogy of titles alongside The Calculus Story and The Wonder Book of Geometry. It focuses primarily on algebra, and follows the same playful but appealing style as the other books, with key equations appearing handwritten, and 'intermissions'
containing interesting asides. Like these, it incorporates historical aspects throughout but the focus is on the mathematics itself, setting out problems and drawing out the wonder and 'magic' of finding their solutions with an infectious enthusiasm. Acheson's approach and treatment of mathematics
has been highly praised, and he packs a remarkable amount of surprising mathematics into these small works. His new book will be enjoyed by all those who find mathematics fascinating, hopefully drawing in some who are nervous of it too, and provides an invaluable and entertaining introduction for
students planning to study mathematics at university.

David Acheson, Emeritus Fellow, Jesus College, University of Oxford, University of Oxford

David Acheson is Emeritus Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford, and was the University's first winner of a National Teaching Fellowship in 2004. He was President of the Mathematical Association from 2010 to 2011, and now lectures widely on mathematics to young people and the general public. In 2013,
Acheson was awarded an Honorary D.Sc. by the University of East Anglia for his outstanding work in the popularisation of mathematics. His books include 1089 and All That (OUP, 2002), The Calculus Story, (OUP, 2017), and The Wonder Book of Geometry, (OUP, 2020).