The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics

“The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics” by historian of mathematics George Gheverghese Joseph is a scholarly yet readable book that traces the development of math in Africa, Asia, the Islamic world, and the Americas. Joseph documents contributions such as Egyptian geometry, Indian place-value systems, Chinese algebra, and Mayan calendars, challenging the myth that mathematics is purely a European achievement. The book is best suited for older teens and adults who are comfortable with historical writing. Families use it to broaden their understanding of math history, de-center Eurocentric narratives, and design projects that honor global intellectual traditions.