--- product_id: 51794393 title: "What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods: An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods (Oxford Paperbacks)" brand: "the late richard courant, herbert robbins" price: "€ 55.01" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.at/products/51794393-what-is-mathematics-an-elementary-approach-to-ideas-and-methods store_origin: AT region: Austria --- # 4.6/5 rating Broad topic coverage Classic math text What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods: An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods (Oxford Paperbacks) **Brand:** the late richard courant, herbert robbins **Price:** € 55.01 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > πŸ“š Unlock the math mindset that powers tomorrow’s leaders! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods: An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods (Oxford Paperbacks) by the late richard courant, herbert robbins - **How much does it cost?** € 55.01 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.at](https://www.desertcart.at/products/51794393-what-is-mathematics-an-elementary-approach-to-ideas-and-methods) ## Best For - the late richard courant, herbert robbins enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted the late richard courant, herbert robbins brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Endorsed by Experts:** Join thousands who rate it 4.6 stars for its engaging approach. - β€’ **Oxford Paperbacks Quality:** Enjoy a trusted, well-edited edition that stands the test of time. - β€’ **Comprehensive Yet Accessible:** Explore a wide spectrum of math ideas with clarity and depth. - β€’ **Timeless Mathematical Wisdom:** Dive into a classic that has shaped generations of mathematicians. - β€’ **Perfect for Aspiring Professionals:** Build a solid foundation in math concepts essential for analytical careers. ## Overview What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods is a highly regarded Oxford Paperback that introduces undergraduate-level mathematics with clarity and breadth. Authored by Richard Courant and Herbert Robbins, this classic text covers a wide range of mathematical concepts and methods, earning a 4.6-star rating from over 500 readers. Ideal for professionals and students seeking a foundational yet engaging math resource. ## Description For more than two thousand years a familiarity with mathematics has been regarded as an indispensable part of the intellectual equipment of every cultured person. Today, unfortunately, the traditional place of mathematics in education is in grave danger. The teaching and learning of mathematics has degenerated into the realm of rote memorization, the outcome of which leads to satisfactory formal ability but does not lead to real understanding or to greater intellectual independence. This new edition of Richard Courant's and Herbert Robbins's classic work seeks to address this problem. Its goal is to put the meaning back into mathematics. Written for beginners and scholars, for students and teachers, for philosophers and engineers, What is Mathematics?, Second Edition is a sparkling collection of mathematical gems that offers an entertaining and accessible portrait of the mathematical world. Covering everything from natural numbers and the number system to geometrical constructions and projective geometry, from topology and calculus to matters of principle and the Continuum Hypothesis, this fascinating survey allows readers to delve into mathematics as an organic whole rather than an empty drill in problem solving. With chapters largely independent of one another and sections that lead upward from basic to more advanced discussions, readers can easily pick and choose areas of particular interest without impairing their understanding of subsequent parts. Brought up to date with a new chapter by Ian Stewart, What is Mathematics?, Second Edition offers new insights into recent mathematical developments and describes proofs of the Four-Color Theorem and Fermat's Last Theorem, problems that were still open when Courant and Robbins wrote this masterpiece, but ones that have since been solved. Formal mathematics is like spelling and grammar--a matter of the correct application of local rules. Meaningful mathematics is like journalism--it tells an interesting story. But unlike some journalism, the story has to be true. The best mathematics is like literature--it brings a story to life before your eyes and involves you in it, intellectually and emotionally. What is Mathematics is like a fine piece of literature--it opens a window onto the world of mathematics for anyone interested to view. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Dimensions | 22.91 x 15.37 x 2.69 cm | | Edition | 2nd | | Isbn 10 | 0195105192 | | Isbn 13 | 978-0195105193 | | Item Weight | 816 g | | Language | English | | Print Length | 592 pages | | Publication Date | 18 July 1996 | | Publisher | Oxford University Press | ## Images ![What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods: An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods (Oxford Paperbacks) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zK5v0ayCL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Format** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ All time favourite *by on Reviewed in the United Kingdom 11 August 2018* This book is probably my all time favourite mathematics text for introducing undergraduate mathematics. The author is a prolific writer and very engaging. The breadth of topics covered is impressive. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A classic *by on Reviewed in the United Kingdom 17 November 2016* A classic - but still highly enjoyable introduction to basic concepts and ideas in Mathematics. This revised version includes interesting updates by I. Stewart. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wonderful coverage but demanding on the reader *by on Reviewed in the United Kingdom 5 April 2011* The book covers a broad range of topics in (mainly pure) maths. It should be comprehensible to anyone who has done the equivalent of UK "A" Level maths. To get the most out of it, you need to be willing to concentrate hard - explanations are clear but sometimes at a breathless pace - and to tackle some of the exercises. The most technical parts are clearly flagged up as optional reading. For anyone wanting to go beyond school maths, or about to embark on a maths course at university, the book will be invaluable.If I have a quibble, it is that the exercises and some parts of the book are printed in smallish type which my (ageing) eyes had difficulty coping with, especially when it came to subscripts and superscripts, some of which I could not decipher. In places the notation - for instance some symbols used in relation to sets - is outmoded, but this is not a significant problem. ## Frequently Bought Together - What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods - The Joy Of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity - Journey through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.at/products/51794393-what-is-mathematics-an-elementary-approach-to-ideas-and-methods](https://www.desertcart.at/products/51794393-what-is-mathematics-an-elementary-approach-to-ideas-and-methods) --- *Product available on Desertcart Austria* *Store origin: AT* *Last updated: 2026-10-25*