Search for Mathematical Roots, 1870-1940 Logics, Set Theories, and the Foundations of Mathematics from Cantor Through Russell to Godel

Summary: "I know of no comparably comprehensive treatment of the history of this important period in modern logic. There is a large body of historical literature that is in need of just the kind of synthesis and masterly overview that this work provides. Though most people recognize mathematics as a principal motivating force behind the development of modern logic, the influences on and from mathematics have been largely igno...red or minimized.The Search for Mathematical Rootsacts as a guide through that challenging mathematical thicket."--Albert C. Lewis, chief editor ofThe History of Mathematics from Antiquity to the Present "Ivor Grattan-Guinness provides a marvelous, comprehensive overview of the history of efforts to come to an understanding of mathematical logic and its relation to mathematics in the period 1870-1940. Given its rich detail and inclusion of under-appreciated figures who deserve to be better known, this is an especially important and useful book."--Joseph Dauben, author ofGeorge Cantor: His Mathematics and Philosophy of the Infinite [read more]