Book Review: ‘Blueprints’ by Marcus Du Sautoy

Book Title: Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity
Author: Marcus Du Sautoy
Publisher: Fourth Estate
Number of Pages: 304
ISBN: 978-0008750503
Date Published: May 16, 2025
Price: INR 436

Book Review

Ever thought math and art were worlds apart? Not so, says Marcus du Sautoy in “Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity“. This book is an eye-opener—it’s about how numbers and patterns don’t just live inside calculators and textbooks, but actually shape the way we create, appreciate, and understand everything from music to architecture.

Du Sautoy, a math whiz with a knack for storytelling, sets out to prove that math and creativity aren’t enemies—they’re best friends. He takes us on a whirlwind tour through history, pointing out how the golden ratio, symmetry, and even prime numbers pop up in everything from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers. It’s a convincing argument: math isn’t just for nerds, it’s for artists, poets, and dreamers too.
One of the best things about “Blueprints” is how easy it is to read. Du Sautoy doesn’t drown you in jargon. Instead, he uses simple language, personal stories (like his own adventures as a musician), and a healthy dose of humour to make math feel less intimidating and more exciting. You get the sense that he genuinely loves both math and the arts, and that enthusiasm is contagious.

Not everything is perfect, though. While du Sautoy does a fantastic job explaining math, his take on the arts sometimes feels a bit thin. He’s great at spotting patterns in art and music, but he doesn’t always dig deep into what makes those works tick on an emotional or cultural level. It’s like he’s showing us the skeleton, but not always the soul. Some readers might wish for a bit more balance between the two worlds.

At the end of the day, “Blueprints” is more than just a book—it’s a call to action. Du Sautoy wants us to see that creativity and logic aren’t at odds; they’re two sides of the same coin. Whether you’re a math lover, an art fan, or just curious about how the world works, this book will make you think differently about both fields. It’s not perfect, but it’s a big step toward breaking down the walls between science and the arts.

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“Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity” is a lively, accessible read that shines a spotlight on the hidden math behind our favorite art forms. Just don’t expect it to be the last word on the subject—there’s still plenty of room for deeper conversations about creativity. But as a starting point, it’s pretty hard to beat.

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