Wasan : the fascination of traditional Japanese mathematics /
Sakurai Susumu ; translated by Emma Ford, with Gaynor Sekimori.
- 178 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm.
- Japan library. .
- Japan library (Shuppan Bunka SangyoÌinkoÌڡidan) .
'This book is a translation of'MuchuÌ naru! Edo no suÌu' (Shueisha Inc., 2012) which was originally published under the title'Edo no suÌu kyoÌho' by Shueisha International Inc. in 2009'--Title page verso.
'Wasan--a unique form of Japanese mathematics--was developed during the Edo period (1603-1868), a time when the entire country was isolated from the rest of the world. Mathematics was enjoyed as a form of entertainment by adults and children alike and by people of all social classes. JinkoÌ an extraordinary mathematics textbook, was used at private elementary schools called terakoya and became a bestseller that could be found in every household. Furthermore, world-class works were produced by Japanese mathematicians such as Seki Takakazu and Takebe Katahiro. This book explores the beauty and fascination surrounding wasan by providing a guided tour that goes back in time over three hundred years and navigates through the mysterious and incredible world of mathematical wizardry found during the Edo period in Japan'--