Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
---|---|---|
Searching... Dallas Public Library | + 513.5 SCH4 | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Independence Public Library | J 513.5 SCHMANDT-BESSERAT | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Salem Main Library | J 513.5 Schmandt 1997 | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Drawing on years of research, a renowned archaeologist traces the evolution of counting. She shows how the concept of numbers came about, how various societies answered the question "How many?," and how our modern-day decimal system was developed. Engrossing and enlightening, this fascinating book introduces children to one of our most important inventions.
00-01 Utah Book Award (Informational Books)
Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-One strength of this title is the cultural context into which the information has been placed so that children will understand not only how numbering and counting have evolved over time but also why. Some of the phrasing and several of the cultural examples are sophisticated but for the most part the information has been well adapted to a young audience. The book begins with a brief introduction that defines counting and numbers and then moves on to a historical overview. Hays's attractive paintings, done in acrylic on linen, successfully interpret the concepts explained in the text. It would be a shame if older children dismissed this book because of its picture-book format, since they are unlikely to encounter a better explanation of the subject. There are some fine older, out-of-print books that convey much of the same information, but nothing in recent memory explains the topic quite so well.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
This intriguing, concise history of the development of counting ranges from early examples of counting schemes without numbers through the use of Greek and Roman numeral systems to our present Arabic system that invented the all-important zero. Clear illustrations accompany each historical example in this book that isn't just for math fans. Glos., ind. From HORN BOOK Spring 2000, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A well-researched, intriguing account of how counting has evolved. Schmandt-Besserat recounts how the Paiela, who cultivate orchards in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, ""count by pointing to parts of their body. . . . The number I is called 'left little finger,' 11 is 'left neck,' 16 is 'right ear,' etc."" The Veddas of Sri Lanka ""count without numbers,"" collecting pebbles to indicate ""how many."" She also painstakingly charts the long evolution of counting through abstract counting, the use of ten digits, and the advantages of Arabic numerals over the older systems. Her rigorous, scientific approach to the subject ensures that readers will never take the counting system for granted again. The full-color illustrations make history beautifully visual, while a glossary sets forth concrete definitions for readers to peruse. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Gr. 3^-5. As the title succinctly states, this well-designed, large-format book traces the history of counting. Beginning with a look at primitive expressions of numbers, the text goes on to explain abstract counting and the methods used by the Sumerians, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, and finally the Arabs, who brought Hindu numerals from India to Europe about 1,000 years ago. Finally, this demonstrates four clear advantages of the Arabic system, which is used throughout the modern world. The book surveys a broad subject and communicates it in a way that is comprehensible to young people yet never condescending to them. The large-scale illustrations portray people from many cultures, all with their own dignity and individual style. Imaginatively conceived and well composed, Hays' acrylic paintings feature warm, harmonious colors and delicate plays of light and shadow against textured-linen backings. Cogently written and beautifully made, this handsome book spotlights a part of our heritage so basic that we take it for granted. Mathematical terms appended. --Carolyn Phelan