In this Very Short Introduction, Jacqueline Stedall explores the rich historical and cultural diversity of mathematical endeavour from the distant past to the present day, using illustrative case studies drawn from a range of times and places; including early imperial China, the medieval Islamic world, and nineteenth-century Britain--

Originally presented as the author's dissertation (doctoral)--Delft University of Technology, 2012. "Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Board for Doctorates of Delft University of Technology and of the Academic Board of UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education for the degree of Doctor to be defended in public on Tuesday, 24 Januaryy 2012 at 12:30 hours in Delft, The Netherlands."