Algebra the Beautiful, what a title! How could anyone resist this book by G. Arnell Williams. As soon as I read the title, I was intrigued. Unfortunately, as soon as most people saw the word Algebra, they probably made a cross with their fingers to ward off evil. Having taught Algebra in a public school setting for many years, I know this reaction all too well.

I enjoyed the history and applications that appeared through out the book as well as the thought provoking ideas that were presented. Although I didn’t agree with ever idea in the book, the basic premise that math education needs some adjustments can not be argued. We are losing our students interest from an early age.

How much math education does the general student population need? What should this basic math curriculum entail? How exactly do we provide the practical application that is so sorely needed with so little time when state testing is all that seems to matter these days? Where do we find the time to put the fun back in algebra?

Algebra is beautiful……and fun, and amazing…. and very necessary for every one in the twenty-first century. I would recommend this book to anyone who agrees.

I frequently pick up books about math in an attempt to convince myself that I enjoy math and to try to understand it better. Unfortunately, this book did not succeed on either front for me. I’m sure it will be well received by actual math aficionados though.