Nature (Nature magazine) V.470, No.7333, pages 139-300; 2011 February 10. 470

The concept of infinity has been a topic of great interest for hundred of years, for scholars and lay people alike. The theory of infinte sets lies at the heart of much mathematics, yet it has produced a series of paradoxes that have led many scholars to doubt the soundness of its foundations. This work presents a popular-level account of the roads followed by human thought in attempts to understand the idea of the infinite in mathematics and physics. It aims to give the general reader a deep insight into the nature of the problem and its importance to an understanding of the world. The Concept Of Infinity Has Been For Hundreds Of Years One Of The Most Fascinating And Elusive Ideas To Tantalize The Minds Of Scholars Adn Lay People Alike. The Theory Of Infinite Sets Lies At The Heart Of Much Of Mathematics, Yet It Has Produced A Series Of Paradoxes That Have Led Many Scholars To Doubt The Soundness Of Its Foundations. The Author Of This Book Presents A Popular-level Account Of The Roads Followed By Human Thought In Attempts To Understand The Idea Of The Infinite In Mathematics And Physics. In So Doing, He Brings To The General Reader A Deep Insight Into The Nature Of The Problem And Its Importance To An Understanding Of Our World. -- From Back Cover. Infinity And The Universe -- The Mysteries Of Infinite Sets -- Remarkable Functions And Curves, Or A Stroll Through A Mathematical Hall Of Wonders -- In Search Of The Absolute. N. Ya. Vilenkin ; Translated By Abe Shenitzer, With The Editorial Assistance Of Hardy Grant And Stefan Mykytiuk. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 137-145). The concept of infinity has been for hundreds of years one of the most fascinating and elusive ideas to tantalize the minds of scholars and lay people alike. The theory of infinite sets lies at the heart of much of mathematics, yet it has produced a series of paradoxes that have led many scholars to doubt the soundness of its foundations. The author of this book presents a popular-level account of the roads followed by human thought in attempts to understand the idea of the infinite in mathematics and physics. In so doing, he brings to the general reader a deep insight into the nature of the problem and its importance to an understanding of our world. -- from back cover