There is hardly an aspect of human existence to which mathematics cannot contribute understanding - though that is not to say that the value of human life can be reduced to a set of equations. ... In bringing some of these crucial issues to a wider audience, Davis has made a valuable contribution to the public understanding of the importance of the subject. -John Ball, New Scientist, November 2006
Davis is one of a very small group of mathematicians who are interested and able to step outside the community and take a hard look at what mathematics really 'is'. Its uses, misuses, customs, relations with the so-called 'real' world, psychology and deep nature are all grist for his voracious mill. -David Mumford, Brown University, November 2006
is risky to trust common sense-especially when dealing with mathematics. Convincingly Phil Davis demonstrates this, first by answering a few harmless-sounding 'frequently asked questions' about his discipline and then by skillfully seducing the reader into the curious kernel of the most fascinating of all sciences: Mathematics (sometimes written with a capital M, sometimes with a lowercase m; sometimes pure, sometimes applied; sometimes familiar, sometimes strange, even to experts). -Rudolf Taschner, November 2006
on a long experience in mathematics as a researcher, teacher and popularizer, Davis reflects upon the subject from many points of view: not only its development and instruction, but also its overly modest status in society in general. -Ivor Grattan-Guinness, November 2006
The individual essays are well-written, often including amusing epigraphs and detailed bibliographies ... [and] quite interesting to read... Often I found that [Davis] articulated quite well opinions that I never knew I had. -Darren Glass, MAA Reviews, April 2007
The author provides many creative discussions and examples, varying from simple to more abstract structures of mathematics ... the book can be recommended to all who are interested in mathematics and its nature, beauty, and role in modern society and science. -EMS, September 2007
... this book was fun to read, and I recommend at least a perusal to undergraduate math students, graduate students in mathematics, and working mathematicians. Teachers of undergraduate math students should consider assigning certain essays as readings for their students. It gives a healthy view of our subject. -The Mathematical Intelligencer , May 2008
