"This is a serious - but not solemn - textbook that attempts to make a clear, conceptual understanding of calculus accessible to all liberal arts students. It presents mathematics as growing out of the classical liberal arts to form a natural bridge between the humanities and the sciences, integrating the history and pedagogy of mathematics in a way that may be of interest to prospective teachers as well. Instead of a pre-calculus review, this book offers an historical development of much of the geometry and algebra needed, emphasizing the fundamental need for students to develop a clear style of writing."--BOOK JACKET. "This text is suitable for a one-semester course designed to fulfill general education requirements."--BOOK JACKET.