"If you think maths is all about equations, and you think equations are rigid black-and-white facts, then you probably think maths is all rigid and black-and-white," says Cheng. This book is a wonderful refutation of that misconception. Exploring the meaning of "equals" in mathematics gives us a better understanding not just of the nuance and richness of the field, but of how ideas of equality are used (and misused) in life. Her approach is both playful and deeply serious, leavening abstract concepts with entertaining tangents on everything from knitting Möbius strips [ and] important political and rights-based questions around equality ... to making an iterated Battenberg cake -- Professor Emerita Sarah Hart, author of Once Upon a Prime * New Scientist * Praise for Is Maths Real? * : * A generous tour of mathematics for anyone whose instincts tend less towards "Just tell me the answer" and more towards "Wait, but why?" -- Jordan Ellenberg, author of 'Shape' Intriguing ... Celebrates the dizziness and disorientation engendered by childlike questions that hint at the deep mysteries beneath -- Anil Ananthaswamy * New Scientist * Passionate, eye-opening and accessible ... a love letter to the curious spirit of the discipline * Waterstones Best Books of 2023 * A brilliant rebuttal to those who see math as only about right answers, rather than about creative discovery. [ Cheng] masterfully uncovers what's simply profound in the profoundly simple -- Francis Su, author of 'Mathematics for Human Flourishing' Discover what it feels like to be a real mathematician ... This is a human pursuit, depicted here from the inside -- Simon Ings * Telegraph * An entertaining foray into the more philosophical realms of mathematics ... for the budding mathematician in the house, to say nothing of lovers of puzzles and enigmas * Kirkus * Praise for x + y * : * 'A way of seeing this exhausting debate from a completely new angle ... bold and optimistic * Guardian * A fascinating, disarmingly accessible read and a wonderful example of what academics should in general do much more of * Irish Times * Compelling ... x+y provides useful new tools for change, for those - like me - involved in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. For those who are not yet involved, she sets out reasons to become so. And I'm a new fan of pure mathematics. Dr Cheng, can we be friends? * Nature * This book changed my life in the most beautiful way. Eugenia Cheng doesn't just explain why the way our society conceptualizes gender is all wrong - she proposes a new way of thinking about - and beyond - gender. Through accessible graphs and brilliant metaphor, Cheng pushes her readers instead to think about a person's behavior ... Stunning -- Rebecca Ramirez * NPR *
