This is a book about the concept of zero throughout the ages - from pre-historic times when counting began (but zero was not needed) to the present. The notion and evolution of zero, as well as the many problems that it caused, are presented from several angles – religion, philosophy, mathematics and physics. The author does an excellent job of retaining his focus on zero while covering millennia of human history and mathematical thought. The writing style is clear, engaging, lively, friendly, often witty and occasionally humorous. This book can be enjoyed by any dedicated general reader, although the math phobic may feel uncomfortable through good parts of it. Science buffs, on the other hand, will likely have been exposed to much of the mathematics and science discussed here, but the fascinating historical aspects alone make it very much worth the read for them as well.