Calendrical Calculations – Edward M. Reingold, Nachum Dershowitz – 1997
Calendrical Calculations: A Deep Dive into Timekeeping
This work by Edward M. Reingold and Nachum Dershowitz delves into the intricacies of calendrical systems throughout history. It isn’t a mere listing of dates, but a rigorous exploration of the mathematical and astronomical principles underpinning various calendars—Jewish, Islamic, Chinese, Hindu, Mayan, and more—alongside the Gregorian and Julian calendars. The authors provide detailed algorithms for calculating dates, converting between calendars, and understanding the cyclical nature of time as perceived across different cultures.
Historical / Cultural Context
The study of calendars transcends simple timekeeping; it reveals profound insights into a culture’s worldview, religious beliefs, and societal structures. Calendars are rarely neutral; they encode values, commemorate significant events, and regulate agricultural cycles. Reingold and Dershowitz’s book emerged from the growing field of computational science in the latter half of the 20th century, a period marked by increased interest in representing and manipulating cultural data through algorithms. Prior to the advent of computers, such calculations were largely the domain of astronomers, mathematicians, and religious authorities.
Who This Book Is For
This book is primarily intended for those with an interest in computer science, mathematics, astronomy, and the history of science. The authors present calendrical systems through a computational lens, providing algorithms and code examples. While a basic understanding of mathematical concepts is helpful, the book is accessible to a reasonably motivated reader with a background in one of these fields. It’s also valuable for historians and anthropologists seeking a rigorous and computationally-informed understanding of calendrical systems.
Further Reading
- Ancient Calendars by E.J. Bickerman: A comprehensive overview of ancient calendrical systems.
- Time and Calendars in the Kushan Empire by David P. Cartwright: A focused study of calendrical practices in a specific historical context.
- Maya Cosmogenesis 2012 by John Major Jenkins: Explores the Mayan calendar and its associated cosmology.
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