Blueprints

Financial Times Best Books of 2025, Economics

“Eye-opening and riotously fun.” —Forbes

"Blueprints sings as a book about maths that is also grounded in art. Du Sautoy is skilled at bringing numerical concepts to life … I left it better understanding, and enjoying, the problems pondered by mathematicians, helped by the creations of artists like J.S. Bach and Jorge Luis Borges."—New Scientist

“[One] of Britain’s finest maths writers…fascinating.” —Financial Times

“[A] constantly surprising [read] in its determination to show us that works of art we love are ‘often pieces of mathematics in disguise’.” —Daily Mail

"No one could doubt Du Sautoy’s enthusiasm for his subject … In this informed and wide-ranging study, he shows that imagination is not the preserve of the artistically inclined – sometimes the so-called nerds are the cool kids with the brilliant ideas … An invigorating read."—Observer

“An impressive... exploration of links between math and the arts.” —Publishers Weekly

“Readers of Blueprints will come away with a deeper understanding of art, and a greater appreciation for maths.”  —Prospect

"One of the many strengths of Blueprints is that it is partly a memoir: an accomplished musician and longtime collaborator with theatrical companies, du Sautoy is exploring the harmonies and convergences within his own passions. The effect is infectious, as is to be expected from one of our most important public intellectuals. A book that will transform your appreciation of mathematics and art."—New European

"A stunning book – filled with insights and connections that are as dazzling as they are unexpected. A thrilling read."—Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads

"Marcus makes it seem so easy, and such fun, to begin to understand that which appears complex, frightening and beautiful, and the magic of being human.”—Philippe Sands, author of The Ratline

"Du Sautoy is […] the light-bearer, illuminating not only the work of coders and creators, but the mathematics of chaos that underpin art and our emotional responses to it.”—Hans Ulrich Obrist, author of Ways of Curating