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Description
The Nothing That Is: A Natural History of ZeroA symbol for what is not there, an emptiness that increases any number it's added to, an inexhaustible and indispensable paradox. As we enter the year 2000, zero is once again making its presence felt. Nothing itself, it makes possible a myriad of calculations. Indeed, without zero mathematics as we know it would not exist. And without mathematics our understanding of the universe would be vastly impoverished. But where did this nothing, this hollow
A symbol for what is not there, an emptiness that increases any number it's added to, an inexhaustible and indispensable paradox. As we enter the year 2000, zero is once again making its presence felt. Nothing itself, it makes possible a myriad of calculations. Indeed, without zero mathematics as we know it would not exist. And without mathematics our understanding of the universe would be vastly impoverished. But where did this nothing, this hollow circle, come from? Who created it? And what, exactly, does it mean?Robert Kaplan's The Nothing That Is: A Natural History of Zero begins as a mystery story, taking us back to Sumerian times, and then to Greece and India, piecing together the way the idea of a symbol for nothing evolved. Kaplan shows us just how handicapped our ancestors were in trying to figure large sums without the aid of the zero. (Try multiplying CLXIV by XXIV). Remarkably, even the Greeks, mathematically brilliant as they were, didn't have a zero--or did they? We follow the trail to the East where, a millennium or two ago, Indian mathematicians took another crucial step. By treating zero for the first time like any other number, instead of a unique symbol, they allowed huge new leaps forward in computation, and also in our understanding of how mathematics itself works.
In the Middle Ages, this mathematical knowledge swept across western Europe via Arab traders. At first it was called "dangerous Saracen magic" and considered the Devil's work, but it wasn't long before merchants and bankers saw how handy this magic was, and used it to develop tools like double-entry bookkeeping. Zero quickly became an essential part of increasingly sophisticated equations, and with the invention of calculus, one could say it was a linchpin of the scientific revolution. And now even deeper layers of this thing that is nothing are coming to light: our computers speak only in zeros and ones, and modern mathematics shows that zero alone can be made to generate everything.
Robert Kaplan serves up all this history with immense zest and humor; his writing is full of anecdotes and asides, and quotations from Shakespeare to Wallace Stevens extend the book's context far beyond the scope of scientific specialists. For Kaplan, the history of zero is a lens for looking not only into the evolution of mathematics but into very nature of human thought. He points out how the history of mathematics is a process of recursive abstraction: how once a symbol is created to represent an idea, that symbol itself gives rise to new operations that in turn lead to new ideas. The beauty of mathematics is that even though we invent it, we seem to be discovering something that already exists.
The joy of that discovery shines from Kaplan's pages, as he ranges from Archimedes to Einstein, making fascinating connections between mathematical insights from every age and culture. A tour de force of science history, The Nothing That Is takes us through the hollow circle that leads to infinity.
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 12/01/2000
ISBN: 9780195142372
Pages: 240
Weight: 0.58lbs
Size: 7.73h x 4.68w x 0.60d
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★★★★★ 5
Definitely worth the price
Size: 6.5, Color: Black/Black
Absolutely love these boots! I originally bought them to wear in NYC in December & they did not disappoint. They were comfortable, cute, durable and worked well in the slush/snow. The traction on the bottom is also nice! They kept me warm with wool socks. I wear them almost daily now. Perfect for everyday. easy to wear with variety of outfits. Good every day shoe.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Snagged a deal
Size: 7, Color: Redwood/Gum 10
I waited and waited to get these boots! I knew I was chancing it, but they went on sale, and I snagged them! I am a size 7, and they fit nicely with socks. a little loose, barefooted, but what psycho wears boots without socks? They are comfortable and really well-made.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Cute, comfortable waterproof boots (a little snug to put on)
Size: 7, Color: Velvet Tan/Gum 2
These are really cute Chelsea-style boots and feel very comfortable once they’re on. The waterproof material is great for wet weather and the sole feels sturdy with good traction. They look stylish enough to wear casually but still feel practical for rainy days.
The only downside is they can be a little difficult to put on at first because the opening is somewhat snug, but once they’re on they fit well and feel supportive. Overall they’re a great waterproof boot and I’ve enjoyed wearing them.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Surprisingly great for my wide feet and high instep!
Size: 10.5, Color: Velvet Tan/Gum 2
So thrilled I took a chance on these. Finding boots is impossible for me. I have wide feet, a super high instep, a bunion on one foot, and I wear a hard to find size (10.5). I ordered the 10.5 and 11 in these expecting I might need to size up for width (if I could even get them on). It was a struggle getting the 10.5s on the first time, and once I did they were somewhat uncomfortable on the top of my left foot. But I read that they would relax so decided to give it a go because I need waterproof boots for an upcoming trip and the 11s felt too long. After two days of light wear, they are already breaking in and I have no more discomfort. Getting them on is already easier and they are plenty wide enough and very comfortable to walk in. These are true to size. Super happy and worth a day of mild discomfort to break them in!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable, sturdy, waterproof
Size: 9.5, Color: Black/Black
Loce, love, love these boots. Have walked ten miles with no foot pain around NYC. They go with everything and and are so comfortable. As they are waterproof/resistant, they get a little warm in high temps, but perfect three-season boots.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026