Can you learn math from a novel?

Question

My favorite kind of book to read is a well researched novel where the facts of a subject are interwoven into the story. I learn best when the subect is connected to a story. Does anyone know of a book like this that uses math, math history as part of the story? I'm looking for a way to connect the story part of my brain to math.

I have read the Foundation Series when I was much younger (also my daugter's suggestion), but maybe I need to take another look at Asimov. Any other ideas, good biographies of mathmaticians?

Answer 1

My first thought was the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov, which focuses its entire overarching storyline on the fictional subject of psychohistory (i.e. the prediction of future events based on principles of mathematics) and its "creator," Hari Seldon. I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for, but they're great reads anyway!

Here's the complete series:
Prelude to Foundation
Forward the Foundation
Foundation
Foundation and Empire
Second Foundation
Foundation's Edge
Foundation and Earth

You could check out some of Asimov's other novels and short stories, as he heavily relied on science and math to drive his characters and plots.

Cheers!! :)

Answer 2

something by issac asimov