Cart
Free Shipping in the UK
Proud to be B-Corp

The Mystery of Numbers Annemarie Schimmel (Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Harvard University)

The Mystery of Numbers By Annemarie Schimmel (Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Harvard University)

Summary

An exploration of the symbolism of numbers through the ages, from ancient Mesopotamia up to contemporary European folk cultures.

The Mystery of Numbers Summary

The Mystery of Numbers by Annemarie Schimmel (Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Harvard University)

Why is the number seven lucky - even holy - in almost every culture? Why do we speak of the four corners of the earth? Why do cats have nine lives (except in Iran, where they have seven)? From literature to folklore to private superstitions, numbers play a conspicuous role in our daily lives. In The Mystery of Numbers Annemarie Schimmel conducts an illuminating tour of the mysteries attributed to numbers over the centuries. She covers the origins of numbers, the symbolism of numbers, the source of this symbolism, and examines individual numbers from one to ten thousand. Using examples ranging from the Bible to Shakespeare, this engaging account uncovers the roots of a phenomenon we all feel every Friday the thirteenth.

The Mystery of Numbers Reviews

A delightful, cross-cultural romp, through the history of number mysticism... * The New York Times Book Review *

About Annemarie Schimmel (Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Harvard University)

Annemarie Schimmel is Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture at Harvard University. A widely-respected scholar of the Near East, she has written numerous books on Islamic literature, religion, and culture.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Number and number systems; The heritage of the Pythagoreans; Gnosis and Cabala; Islamic mysticism; Medieval and baroque number symbolism; Superstitions; Number games and magic squares; Little dictionary of numbers; Bibliography; Illustration credits.

Additional information

GOR003640111
9780195089196
0195089197
The Mystery of Numbers by Annemarie Schimmel (Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Professor of Indo-Muslim Culture, Harvard University)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Oxford University Press Inc
1994-06-23
324
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - The Mystery of Numbers