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The Colossal Book of Mathematics

by Martin Gardner
$9.90
The Colossal Book of Mathematics
The Colossal Book of Mathematics

Math made playful, strange, and wonderfully mind-bending

If you like books that make you feel clever and curious at the same time, this is a treasure chest. Martin Gardner turns intimidating ideas into puzzles, paradoxes, and delightful thought experiments, so the joy is as much in the wondering as the solving. It feels like spending time with a brilliant, witty guide who keeps showing you that mathematics is far more imaginative than most people ever realise.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

The Colossal Book of Mathematics

by Martin Gardner
$9.90
Condition guide

Book Condition Guide

Books in Like New Condition

This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Very Good Condition

This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Good Condition

We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Well Read Condition

This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

 

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ISBN: 9780393020236
Authors: Martin Gardner
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Date of Publication: 2001-09-17
Format: Hardcover
Related Collections: Science, Creative Nonfiction, Philosophy
Related Topics: Popular Science, History, Mathematics, Theory, Essays, Education
Goodreads rating: 4.32
(rated by 472 readers)

Description

Classic Puzzles, Paradoxes & Problems. Whether discussing hexaflexagons or number theory, Martin Gardner helped create the field of recreational mathematics. The Colossal Book of Mathematics collects Gardner's most popular pieces from his legendary Mathematical Games column in Scientific American, which ran for twenty-five years. Gardner's puzzles and paradoxes invite readers to see beyond numbers and formulas and to explore how mathematical principles apply to the world around us. Topics range from simple algebra to the twisting surfaces of Mobius strips, from Bulgarian solitaire to time travel. This volume stands as a substantial monument to Gardner's influence on mathematics, science, and culture. In twelve sections, The Colossal Book of Mathematics covers a broad range of topics, each illuminated by Gardner's wit and expertise. Beginning with seemingly simple topics, Gardner guides readers through deeper ideas: basic algebra leads to the linguistic and numerical possibilities of palindromes; geometry reveals the symmetry central to M. C. Escher's art. Gardner blends scientific skepticism with imagination. The book also explores probability and game theory, and puzzles such as hexaflexagons, nothing, and everything. He navigates these topics with intelligence and humor, adding endnotes and suggested reading to enrich the articles. Admired by scientists and readers alike, Gardner's knowledge and curiosity shine on every page. The Colossal Book of Mathematics is a comprehensive collection that remains an indispensable volume for both the amateur and the expert.
 

Math made playful, strange, and wonderfully mind-bending

If you like books that make you feel clever and curious at the same time, this is a treasure chest. Martin Gardner turns intimidating ideas into puzzles, paradoxes, and delightful thought experiments, so the joy is as much in the wondering as the solving. It feels like spending time with a brilliant, witty guide who keeps showing you that mathematics is far more imaginative than most people ever realise.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.