Fourth Estate, 2025
Blueprints looks to the arts to uncover the key mathematical structures that underpin both nature and human creativity.
Many of the artists that we encounter are completely unaware of the mathematics that bubble beneath their craft, while some consciously use it for inspiration. Our instincts might tell us that these two subjects are incompatible forces with nothing in common – mathematics being the realm of precise logic and art being the realm of emotion and aesthetics – but what if we’re wrong?
Blueprints asks us to consider that mathematics and art may not be polar opposites after all. Their complementary relationship spans a vast historical and geographic landscape, from the earliest stone circles to Mozart’s obsession with numbers and the radically modern architecture of Zaha Hadid. Whether we are searching for meaning in an abstract painting or finding patterns in poetry, there are blueprints everywhere: symmetry, prime numbers, the golden ratio and more.
In this bold and philosophical exploration of human creativity, Marcus du Sautoy unpacks how we make art, why a creative mindset is vital for discovering new mathematics, and how a fundamental connection to the natural world intrinsically links these two subjects.
Praise for Blueprints:
‘Blueprints is an extraordinary book which shows us how mathematics and art are connected through structures. Du Sautoy shows us how to bridge the divide of science and the humanities and proves that we can only face and solve the big challenges of the twenty-first century if we go beyond the fear of pooling knowledge’ Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director Serpentine
‘A stunning book – filled with insights and connections that are as dazzling as they are unexpected. A thrilling read.’ Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History, University of Oxford
‘WHAT TO READ IN 2025’ FINANCIAL TIMES
Events
Edinburgh Futures Institute 2 May Edinburgh
Intelligence Squared 7 May London
Second Home 8 May London
Linghams and Booka Bookshops, 19 and 20 May
Oxford Public Lecture 21 May Oxford
Hay Festival 24 May
Mr B’s Emporium 3 June Bath
St Jude Festival 21 June London
National Gallery 2 July London
Henley Literary Festival 7 October Henley
Royal Institution Friday Evening Discourse 17 October London
New Scientist Live 18 October London
Otley Science Festival 15 November Otley
