Power in Numbers

From rocket scientists to code breakers, “fascinating stories” of women who overcame obstacles, shattered stereotypes, and pursued their passion for math (Notices of the American Mathematical Society).

With more than 200 photos and original interviews with several of the amazing women covered, Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics is a full-color volume that puts a spotlight on the influence of women on the development of mathematics over the last two millennia. Each biography reveals the life of a different female mathematician, from her childhood and early influences to the challenges she faced and the great achievements she made in spite of them. Learn how:

• After her father terminated her math lessons, Sofia Kovalevskaya snuck algebra books into her bed to read at night
• Emmy Noether became an invaluable resource to Albert Einstein while she was in the Navy
• Native American rocket scientist Mary Golda Ross developed designs for fighter jets and missiles in a top-secret unit
• Katherine Johnson’s life-or-death calculations at NASA meant that astronauts such as Alan Shepard and John Glenn made it home alive
• Shakuntala Devi multiplied massive numbers in her head so her family could eat at night
• Pamela Harris proved her school counselors wrong when they told her she would only succeed as a bilinguial secretary
• Carla Cotwright-Williams began her life in the dangerous streets of South-Central Los Angeles before skyrocketing to a powerful career with the Department of Defense in Washington, DC

These women are a diverse group, but their stories have one thing in common: At some point on their journeys, someone believed in them—and made them think the impossible was perhaps not so impossible.

“A quick read . . . full of dramatic stories and eye-catching illustrations.” —MAA Reviews

“I found myself marveling at the personal anecdotes and quotes throughout the book.” —Notices of the American Mathematical Society