How music has influenced mathematics, physics, and astronomy from ancient Greece to the twentieth century.Music is filled with mathematical elements. The works of Bach areoften said to possess a math-like logic, and Arnold Schoenberg, IannisXenakis, and Karlheinz Stockhausen wrote music explicitly based onmathematical principles. Yet Eli Maor argues that it is music that hashad the greater influence on mathematics, not the other way around.Starting with Pythagoras, proceeding through Schoenberg, and bringingthe story up to the present with contemporary string theory,Music by the Numberstells a fascinating story of composers, scientists, inventors, andeccentrics who have played a role in the age-old relationship betweenmusic, mathematics, and the physical sciences. Weaving compellingstories of historical episodes with Maor's personal reflections as amathematician and lover of classical music, this book will delightanyone who loves math and music.