I first read "The Nature and Growth of Modern Mathematics" in 1970 as an engineering student with minors in math and physics. This book, over the course of a summer, provided me with the history of mathematical development at the same time leaving me with the elementals of math areas in which I had not submerged myself. The effect was a tremendous weaving together of mathematical knowledge - both the rudiments of theory and simple examples of applications - which has served me well in the decades since.

There is a great deal of power in the present era from being able to recognize the appropriate techniques from a more wide knowledge base, at times, yes, to synthesize two or more techniques to solve a potent problem or develop an application. Edna Kramers book gave me a great deal, and it is written in a way that could assist people in all occupations and with all interests.

It is a fascinating and at times awe inspring overview of math.

Edna Kramer's book has 30 chapters. Each one starts with an odd bit of history. Then Edna explains the critical impact this nugget had. After that, she does an excellent write up of the mathematics involved, complete with formulas and proofs. Each chapter is then rounded out with more facts, more history, and more math. Every chapter is superbly structured. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys mathematics.

This book gives a detailed view of the who and why in the world of mathematics. Included are the actual concepts and proofs on a simplified level. I have taken advanced courses in math but only after I read this book did I understand the reasons for the way mathematics developed and the way mathematicians answered their critics, which is never covered in formal college cources. Highly recomended, easy to read.