Best known for his integer sequence (in which each term is the sum of the two previous terms -- 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and so on), Fibonacci's most important contribution to mathematics was, in fact, the replacement of Roman numerals with the Hindu-Arabic notation we use today. Keith Devlin here unpacks the history behind this breakthrough, which revolutionized European trade as the Renaissance dawned, in a fascinating book reminescent of Dava Sobel's Longitude.

Is "a squared plus b squared equals c squared" more famous than "e equals mc squared?" The theorem formulated by Pythagoras has certainly been around longer than Einstein's, thereby accruing a commensurately greater amount of lore and usage. With mathematical insight and welcome wit, Ellen and Robert Kaplan trace the influence of the Pythagorean theorem through the millennia—enlisting the help of Leonardo Da Vinci, President James Garlfield, and the Freemasons along the way.

What's calculus good for? How about losing weight, winning in Vegas, and surviving a zombie apocalypse. With wit, insight, and stories, Jennifer Ouellete, a reformed English major, shows us how.