Calculus Made Easy: Being a Very-simplest Introduction to Those Beautiful Methods of Reckoning which are Generally Called by the Terrifying Names of the Differential Calculus and the Integral Calculus

This is an enjoyable read filled with page-after-page of plainly laid out mathematical explainations -- stimulating for readers of every background -- wheither they're students looking to learn calculus for the first time, or a veteran trying to broaden his understanding of familiar ground. Thompson's unique angle to attacking this study sheds light on the greatest perspective one can hold about any branch of mathematics -- they are tools to be used, and nothing more. A book for any fool!

What a delight! Today's books on the topic of calculus seem intent on making the subject seem complex. Calculus is a way of conceptually thinking about a problem. To anyone looking to learn calculus, I recommend this book along with Prof Gil Strang's Open-courseware (MIT) "Big Picture Calculus". (Also honorable mention goes to "The Manga Guide to Calculus".) If you understand conceptually how to think in terms of calculus, then calculus becomes easy. What makes calculus difficult is the rote memorization of rules and processes. Thinking in the right way leads to common sense development and problem solving in calculus. That fundamental concepts leading to calculus are also learned by rote memorization these days, leads to further head aches latter on, and seemingly overwhelming complexity. To that end I recommend two books. "Mathematics for the Millions" -Hogben & "Mathematics for the Practical Man" - George Howe

Although this book was published in 1914 the subject matter of calculus hasn't changed to any great extent since that date. The teaching of calculus has ranged in complexity from clear to muddled extremes. This book is a true gem in presenting the subject of calculus in a clear and friendly manner which is excellent for the novice as well as someone who interested to reviewing this subject.