Table of Contents

Preface
1: ' A large discourse concerning algebra'
2: How algebra was entertained and cultivated in Europe
3: Ariadne's thread: William Oughtred's 'Clavis'
4: Rob'd of glories: Thomas Harriot and his algebra
5: Moving the Alps: the mathematics of John Pell
6: Reading between the lines: John Wallis's 'Arithmetica infinitorum'
7: Catching Proteus: the mathematics of William Brouncker
8: 'Many pretty things worth looking into'
Bibliography/References

Reviews

... this is a fascinating and stimulating read. Despite its evident scholarship it is never dry: there is a wealth of historical detail about these algebraists as people and their work is presented in a lively and lucid fashion ... here is a chance to get acquainted with some of the lesser-known names in the history of mathematics. The Mathematical Gazette ... a riveting read ... Stedall presents the history of 17th century algebra as a much richer topic than has traditionally been the case. MAA Online ... wonderfully lucid ... without any compromises on scholarship. Tony Mann, University of Greenwich