Rob Eastaway | Much Ado About Numbers: Shakespeare’s Mathematical Life and Times

What’s the connection between Shakespeare and maths? A lot, as it turns out!

Shakespeare grew up in a time of remarkable mathematical innovation. From astronomy to probability, music to multiplication, new mathematical ideas were taking off – and much of this was reflected in his work. In this highly engaging talk, award-winning author and broadcaster (BBC Radio 4’s More or Less) Rob Eastaway will discuss his new book which explores the surprising and entertaining ways that maths and numbers appear in Shakespeare’s plays.

Find out how Tudors multiplied, why Shakespeare never ended a line with the word orange, and why dice-playing was a serious hazard for the unwary. With historical asides, optics, astronomy, music and magic, you will never think about maths, history or Shakespeare the same way again.

Praise for Rob’s talks:

Rob Eastaway’s Much Ado about Numbers was a highlight of the Cheltenham Science Festival 2024.  Very knowledgeable and entertaining. — Dr Marieke Navin, Head of Programming, Cheltenham Science Festival

‘Rob’s talk at the Rose Playhouse was brilliant. Informative, witty and engaging.’ — Patrick Spottiswoode, Founder, Shakespeare’s Globe Education

Talk length: 1 hour including Q&A, followed by a book signing.

Bookseller: P&G Wells Ltd