Who is Fourier?
by Transnational College of Lex · first published 1997
94% recommend6% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Intuitive, playful route to Fourier series and transforms that assumes little prior math, building from trigonometry, logarithms, imaginary numbers and calculus; suits self-learners who want enjoyment and intuition.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
Related books
2017–2019What is quantum mechanics?
Recommended by 1 · mentioned by 21 recommend · 2 mention1 recommend · 21 recommend
2020–2022Euler's Gem
David S. Richeson
Recommended by 2 · mentioned by 22 recommend · 2 mention2 recommend · 22 recommend
2018–2023Arithmetic
Paul Lockhart
Recommended by 4 · mentioned by 54 recommend · 5 mention4 recommend · 54 recommend
2022–2024The Mathematical Universe
William Dunham
Recommended by 3 · mentioned by 43 recommend · 4 mention3 recommend · 43 recommend
2013–2020Number theory and its history
Øystein Ore
Recommended by 3 · mentioned by 33 recommend · 3 mention3 recommend · 33 recommend
Mathematics
A. D Aleksandrov
Recommended by 26 · mentioned by 3026 recommend · 30 mention26 recommend · 3026 recommend
There's an interesting book about Fourier and his series and transform written for a general audience: "Who Is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure" [1], by an organization called the Transnational College of LEX (which seems to have some sort of connection with Hippo Family Club[2]). The only math assumed going in is basic…
on “Fourier transform – A math tool used in optics, MP3s, JPEGs and more (2013)” ↗My recommendation below is not the equivalent of a Feynman's series for math, but one that is pegged much lower, for someone interested in basic remedial math. It is called "Who is Fourier: A Mathematical Adventure". I was tremendously surprised by this unusual gem of a book. It covers the range from basic arithmetic to logarithms, trigonometry, calculus to fourier series. https://www.amazon.com/Who-Fourier-Mathematical-Adventure-2n...
on “Ask HN: Are there books for mathematics like Feynman's lectures on physics?” ↗…mere elaboration on this basic edifice. You should be able to do this in a week by just studying an hour or two everyday. 3) For a more Pictorial/Graphical help in understanding the above, get the book: Who Is Fourier?: A Mathematical Adventure by Transnational College of Lex. This is a manga-style book which gives a very intuitive understanding of Calculus and more. Do not wait but get started today; You can thank…
on ““When are we going to use this in our everyday life?” (2017)” ↗I had to overcome my school-age brainwashing in order to enjoy math. One book that helped me was "Who is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure" (http://www.amazon.com/ho-Fourier-Mathematical-Adventure-Edit...). I highly recommend it for those looking to find enjoyment in math.
on “A Mathematician’s Lament (2002) [pdf]” ↗I can recommend 'Who is Fourier?' By the Transnational College of Lex. It assumes very little prior knowledge and introduces the reader to, among others, the concepts of trigonometry, calculus, imaginary numbers, logarithms and Fourier…
on “Ask HN: How or where to begin learning mathematics from first principles?” ↗I can personally strongly recommend the book, "Who is Fourier?" for learning math: http://www.amazon.com/Who-Fourier-Mathematical-Adventure-Edi.... It is the best math book I have ever read.
on “A Software Engineer’s Adventures in Learning Mathematics” ↗I can recommend 'Who is Fourier?' By the Transnational College of Lex. It assumes very little prior knowledge and introduces the reader to, among others, the concepts of trigonometry, calculus, imaginary numbers, logarithms and Fourier…
on “Fourier transform – A math tool used in optics, MP3s, JPEGs and more (2013)” ↗This book isn't a text book, and doesn't want to be, but for Fourier Analysis, "Who is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure" provides an introduction to the subject that, IMO, few books can match: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Fourier-Mathematical-Adventure-2n...
on “The Best Textbooks on Every Subject” ↗…you when absolutely stumped - which will happen. For books - I just have one that I saw referenced here on HN, which is a little odd, but highly recommend for understanding Fourier transforms [1]. 1. Who Is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure 2nd Edition... Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0964350432/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i...
on “Ask HN: Mathematicians, what textbooks are best for learning these math topics?” ↗…school textbooks for grades 8-12 i.e. Secondary Education. This is more for a refresher course in the absolute basics. The above can be supplemented with the following books to develop intuition; 1) Who is Fourier - https://www.amazon.com/Who-Fourier-Mathematical-Adventure-2n... 2) Functions and Graphs - https://www.amazon.com/Functions-Graphs-Dover-Books-Mathemat... After this is when you enter undergraduate…
on “Ask HN: Best way to relearn basic math?” ↗Just the book for you: "Who is Fourier: a mathematical adventure" https://www.amazon.com/Who-Fourier-Mathematical-Transnationa... It is a simply brilliant book that takes you from basic trigonometry, logarithms and so on through calculus…
on “Mathematics for the Adventurous Self-Learner” ↗I would second the recommendation for Who is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure. It's an unusual and engaging introduction to waves, Fourier coefficients, and transforms. The slope is gentle but not dumbed down. https://www.amazon.com/Who-Fourier-Mathematical-Adventure-2n....
on “Ask HN: Recommend a maths book for a teenager?” ↗Try this remarkable book: Who Is Fourier?: A Mathematical Adventure https://www.amazon.com/Who-Fourier-Mathematical-Transnationa... It started off as a bunch of non-math literate folks teaching themselves math from scratch, including trigonometry,…
on “Everyone is capable of, and can benefit from, mathematical thinking” ↗The absolute best teaching of the Fourier transform I've ever encountered is the extremely bizarre book "Who is Fourier?" https://www.amazon.com/Who-Fourier-Mathematical-Transnationa...
on “An Interactive Guide to the Fourier Transform” ↗…demotivate them by expecting too much of them; instead i suggest a simpler approach before tackling the big ones; * Functions and Graphs by Gelfand et al. - A small but great book to develop intuition. * Who is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure - A great "manga type" book to build important concepts from first principles * Concepts of Modern Mathematics by Ian Stewart - A nice overview in simple language. * Mathematics:…
on “Ask HN: Recommend a maths book for a teenager?” ↗