“The book begins with a revealing glimpse of Recorde’s life and then proceeds with extensive examinations of his texts on algebra, arithmetic, numbe theory, geometry, medicine, and astronomy. The final three chapters provide an overview of the historical, political, and social contexts for Recorde’s mathematical contributions. The book argues that Recorde was primarily a mathematics educator of high quality who suffered politically in the setting of Tudor England to the extent that he was imprisoned and died in relative obscurity. . . . An excellent book. Highly recommended.”

J. Johnson, Western Washington University | Choice

“Drawing on a wide array of archival and documentary sources, the authors of this collection of highly readable essays shine a bright light on the life and work of the Tudor mathematics educator Robert Recorde. It is a fascinating read for those interested in the Tudor period, the history of science, and the history of mathematics, and it will ensure that Recorde is remembered for much more than just the invention of a mathematical symbol.”

June Barrow-Green, Open University

“Although best known for inventing the equals sign, Robert Recorde made many other significant contributions to the development of mathematics and science. As this book amply demonstrates, his writings made arithmetic, geometry, algebra, astronomy, and ‘physick’ widely available in English to those for whom the classical texts of the scholar were inaccessible. It can be warmly recommended as a most welcome addition to the historical literature.”

Robin Wilson, president, British Society for the History of Mathematics