Ahab's arithmetic; or, the mathematics of Moby-Dick

Hart, Sarah (2021) Ahab's arithmetic; or, the mathematics of Moby-Dick. Journal of Humanistic Mathematics 11 (1), pp. 4-32. ISSN 2159-8118.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.5642/jhummath.202101.03

Abstract

In this article we explore mathematical allusions in Herman Melville’s novel Moby-Dick. We argue that both the quantity and sophistication of these allusions are evidence for Melville’s high level of mathematical knowledge and ability. We discuss some of the most compelling mathematical imagery, as well as giving background on the several mathematicians and mathematics books mentioned in the novel. We also include some biographical details supporting the assertion that Melville had an unusually good mathematical education.

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Item Type:	Article
School:	Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Depositing User:	Sarah Hart
Date Deposited:	29 May 2019 13:20
Last Modified:	09 Aug 2023 12:46
URI:	https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/26953

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