Product Description

Spivak's celebrated textbook is widely held as one of the finest introductions to mathematical analysis. His aim is to present calculus as the first real encounter with mathematics: it is the place to learn how logical reasoning combined with fundamental concepts can be developed into a rigorous mathematical theory rather than a bunch of tools and techniques learned by rote. Since analysis is a subject students traditionally find difficult to grasp, Spivak provides leisurely explanations, a profusion of examples, a wide range of exercises and plenty of illustrations in an easy-going approach that enlightens difficult concepts and rewards effort. Calculus will continue to be regarded as a modern classic, ideal for honours students and mathematics majors, who seek an alternative to doorstop textbooks on calculus, and the more formidable introductions to real analysis.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #104926 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 682 pages

Customer Reviews

One of very few 5 star books on Calculus.
Mathematics is not an easy subject. Some people say it is, but they are wrong. Even the best mathematicians eventually encounter problems which test their ability to the full. When learning advanced topics it is not uncommon to spend hours trying to solve a problem or understand an exposition, and often one needs to talk it over with a teacher or colleague. If you only have a book to consult, you need a very good one, and this is such a book. It is carefully constructed, the subject is developed logically, it has many examples, varying from the straightforward to the demanding, and it is written by someone with a huge enthusiasm, even a passion for the subject.

It is, of course, not an easy book. It took some of the brightest people in the world about two and a half thousand years to develop the calculus, and we have only had it for less than five hundred. If you read this book, you will be on the way to understanding what mathematics is all about. Do not try to do all the examples, but make sure you can do a fair sample.