Robert Kaplan’s The Nothing That Is also comes out in paperback for
a mass market. It’s a good introduction to the idea of zero from someone who has
not only taught maths at Harvard, but also Sanskrit and a course called
“Inspired Guessing”. Published by Penguin, £6.99, ISBN 0140279431.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Space
The best sci-fi novel in 2026 so far – plus 6 other great reads
Culture
Life
The 17 best popular science books of 2026 so far
Culture
Life
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
Culture
Comment
Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World is still supremely relevant today
Culture
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
2
You should turn off fans when it's too hot – but how hot is too hot?
3
Possible signs of ancient life on Mars are rich in complex carbon
4
‘Fusogenic’ neurosurgery let paralysed pigs walk again – are we next?
5
Hidden black hole could explain mystery at the heart of our galaxy
6
Unapproved gene therapy for boosting longevity is set to go on sale
7
Screwworm could be the first species targeted by an 'extinction drive'
8
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
9
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
10
SpaceX's secretive plans to deliver cargo to Earth from space
