In "Number," Tobias Dantzig crafts an exquisite tapestry that traces the evolution of mathematics from its most primitive roots to the sophisticated concepts of the twentieth century. With the finesse of a master storyteller, Dantzig reveals how numbers, far from being cold abstract entities, are the pulsating heart of human progress. Through engaging narratives, he illustrates how each leap in mathematical thought was spurred not just by the quest for knowledge but by the very tangible needs of commerce, the grim demands of warfare, and the profound questionings of religion. "Number" is not just a history of mathematics; it is a journey into the human spirit, exploring how our understanding and application of numbers reflect the triumphs and follies of civilization itself. Dantzig's work stands as a monumental testament to the inherently human endeavor of mathematics. He delves deep into the biographies of the great mathematicians, unearthing the human emotions, the trials and errors, and the serendipitous discoveries that paved the way for modern math. From the first rudimentary counting systems to the daunting realms of infinity, "Number" showcases how mathematical ideas were not merely found but painstakingly built, often in the face of overwhelming odds. This book invites readers into a world where numbers do more than quantify and categorize—they narrate the story of humanity's relentless pursuit of understanding and the unbreakable bond between the abstract and the tangible.