Description
Book SynopsisThis is the first book of the updated collection of Mathematical Games from Martin Gardner, the king of recreational mathematics. As well as the classic puzzles, in this 2008 edition Gardner added lots of new material (game variations, proofs and more). If you like Martin Gardner, you'll love these books.
Trade Review'Gardner's monthly romp through recreational math and logic ran in Scientific American for 25 years, from the Sputnik splash to the Reagan reign, and nobody has been able to match it since. 'Mathematical Games' was an orgy of right-brain tomfoolery that could be approached for superficial fun or deep insight, or both at the same time … I can't think of a better present for a clever 12-year old, bored undergraduate, restless retiree, or stay-at-home parent fearing intellectual stagnation.' David Brooks, The Telegraph
'Hexaflexagons, Probability Paradoxes, and the Tower of Hanoi and Origami, Eleusis, and the Soma Cube provide a taste of Gardner's prowess at devising quirky and fascinating mathematical conundrums. An excellent example is the 'generalised ham-sandwich theorem', which, among other things, explains how a doughnut can be sliced into 13 pieces by three simultaneous plane cuts.' Physics World
'For libraries, these famous and important books are an essential acquisition: they can have a complete set, with a uniform look, including updates. It is hard to exaggerate the importance and influence of these books. … what makes it all work is Gardner's writing. He is simple and direct, his explanations are clear, and he always includes the reader, inviting us to build models, play games, try out methods, solve problems. The readers respond, participate, and contribute, often in creative and productive ways. … These books are fascinating, useful, fun, and historically significant. You must have them! Buy one for yourself, and buy many to give away. Have your students read them. Give a set to your local high school (they'll be published over five years, so it won't even be a financial burden). Time has passed, and a generation that knoweth not Gardner has arisen. Now we can fix that.' MAA Reviews
'I believe that many readers will enjoy the book with great pleasure.' EMS Newsletter
Table of Contents1. Hexaflexagons; 2. Magic with a matrix; 3. Nine problems; 4. Ticktacktoe; 5. Probability paradoxes; 6. The icosian game and the Tower of Hanoi; 7. Curious topological models; 8. The game of hex; 9. Sam Loyd: America's greatest puzzlist; 10. Mathematical card tricks; 11. Memorizing numbers; 12. Nine more problems; 13. Polyominoes; 14. Fallacies; 15. Nim and tac tix; 16. Left or right.
