God was a mathematician. He designed the world in cosmic codes that only a few men have been able to solve in pieces. Brood over that for a while and then be ready to start a reading adventure with this well-written book. The year is young and already I have found a book I'd rate as "Best General History book of 2011." This book is that good. Edward Dolnick, who himself is an amateur theoretical mathematician, has a great story to tell that is backed up with documented evidence and a plethora of research. He knows his stuff. He's also an excellent, engaging writer who makes this story of 17th-century scientific geniuses an interesting read. The great part is that you don't have to be a mathematician yourself to enjoy such an entertaining, interesting story, but you may wish you were.

Dolnick takes London of 1665, its stinking, filthy, fecal-infested city streets and turns these rather rancid images into an engrossing story of how Isaac Newton, an ill-tempered and vain man who left Cambridge during a plague outbreak to hide out on his mother's farm, as the setting of this book. Newton, however, wasn't the only one interested in celestial beings or the concept of gravity, motion and speed. There were others in Europe adept at critical thinking who formed what became the Royal Society. The almighty church, however, branded anyone who questioned God's universe as a heretic. Many gifted scientists were killed, others went into hiding. Only the lucky few were able to make themselves heard and live to write about it; Galileo himself died while under house arrest. Thank God for those courageous men or else Dolnick wouldn't have such a fascinating story to tell.

The book is divided into three parts, each focused on a separate theme. The first part focuses on Newton. The second part focuses on the Royal Society and its many quirky members, many of whom conducted tortuous experiments on prisoners and animals. Most didn't like one another and kept their findings often to themselves.

Chapters are short and to the point, which make for quick lunchtime or bedtime reading. There are graphics and drawings all throughout this book to help the reader with a particular image. What makes this book work so well is not only its organization, its easy transitions of chapters, but also Dolnick's talent of weaving both protagonist and background into one awesome combination. It's like reading a well-written, well-acted and well-directed movie. One finishes this book well-educated with the 17th century and sees how the Renaissance and Enlightenment came to be. Not only does one get a good scientific and mathematical background, one also learns how society operated in those days. Even someone with no interest in history will admit this is a great book to take up.

Not since Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond have I read a book of this genre that has been fascinating and interesting to read. This book isn't just for the amateur mathematician, it's for the history buff or anyone who enjoys a good book. This is not to be missed.

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