The Universe in Zero Words: The Story of Mathematics as Told Through Equations

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By Dana Mackenzie *83

Published Jan. 21, 2016

(Princeton University Press) Requiring little prior mathematical knowledge, this book tells the histories of the 24 most surprising, consequential, and universal equations — from 1+1=2 to the Black-Scholes formula for financial derivatives. Mackenzie shares the stories behind what each equation means, who discovered them and how, and how they have affected our lives. Mackenzie is the winner of the 2012 Joint Policy Board for Mathematics Communication Award.

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PAW’s December 2025 cover, with a photo of Michael Park ’98.
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