Martin Gardner was an American writer whose work spanned recreational mathematics, magic, literature, philosophy, and scientific skepticism. He possessed a unique talent for making complex subjects accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Gardner's writing is characterized by its intellectual rigor combined with a playful curiosity, inviting readers to explore the wonders of logic and the universe. His enduring legacy lies in his ability to inspire a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of diverse fields of knowledge.
Focusing on the remarkable native forests and heritage trees of the European yew, this beautifully crafted hardback explores their significance in the UK and beyond. It highlights the unique conservation hedge surrounding the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, showcasing the yew's ecological and historical importance. The book celebrates the enduring legacy of these trees and their role in biodiversity conservation.
Martin Gardner will introduce you to the possibilities of clock arithmetic or modular algebra, developed by the genius Karl Friedrich Gauss. Curiously, the first interested in these calculations were some Popes, concerned about the ever-sliding dates of Easter. Did these Church dignitaries already know that modular algebra is used not only to calculate calendar dates, but also to perform all kinds of illusionist tricks, for example, with playing cards and numbered tiles?
Uncover the goddesses buried within the Bible.
Highly readable and compelling account of British colonial policy in Palestine and its role in the creation of Israel. New updated edition now available in paperback.
The autobiography of the beloved writer who inspired a generation to study math and science Martin Gardner wrote the Mathematical Games column for Scientific American for twenty-five years and published more than seventy books on topics as diverse as magic, religion, and Alice in Wonderland. Gardner's illuminating autobiography is a candid self-portrait by the man evolutionary theorist Stephen Jay Gould called our "single brightest beacon" for the defense of rationality and good science against mysticism and anti-intellectualism. Gardner takes readers from his childhood in Oklahoma to his varied and wide-ranging professional pursuits. He shares colorful anecdotes about the many fascinating people he met and mentored, and voices strong opinions on the subjects that matter to him most, from his love of mathematics to his uncompromising stance against pseudoscience. For Gardner, our mathematically structured universe is undiluted hocus-pocus—a marvelous enigma, in other words. Undiluted Hocus-Pocus offers a rare, intimate look at Gardner’s life and work, and the experiences that shaped both.
Exploring a variety of intriguing mathematical concepts, this book offers fresh perspectives on knotted molecules, the hangman's paradox, and the classic game of cat's cradle. It delves into the realms of gambling and peg solitaire, while also examining the significance of pi and e. Each topic is presented with unique twists that challenge conventional understanding, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for readers interested in mathematics and its applications.
This edition features a curated selection of Martin Gardner's renowned Mathematical Games, celebrating his contributions to recreational mathematics. It includes updated puzzles, problems, and intriguing insights that engage both enthusiasts and newcomers. Gardner's ability to weave together mathematics and entertainment makes this collection a delightful exploration of mathematical concepts through games and challenges, showcasing his legacy in the field.
Martin Gardner's New Mathematical Diversions
Exploring a diverse range of mathematical and recreational topics, this book delves into packing spheres, the strategy game Reversi, and the intricacies of braids and polyominoes. It also examines board games, the fascinating digits of pi, and the whimsical puzzles crafted by Lewis Carroll. Each section offers insights into both the mathematical principles and the playful aspects of these subjects, making it a captivating read for enthusiasts of mathematics and games alike.
Martin Gardner's First Book of Mathematical Puzzles and Games
This edition features a curated collection of Martin Gardner's renowned Mathematical Games, celebrating his contributions to recreational mathematics. As the first of fifteen updated editions, it encompasses a variety of puzzles, problems, and intriguing mathematical concepts that engage both enthusiasts and newcomers. Gardner's ability to blend entertainment with education highlights his legacy in making mathematics accessible and enjoyable for all readers.
"In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king." Or is he? In H. G. Wells' acclaimed tale, a stranded mountaineer encounters an isolated society in which his apparent advantage proves less than valuable. This thought-provoking fable is accompanied by other short stories, including "The Star," a gripping tale about a massive celestial object hurtling toward the Earth, as well as "The New Accelerator," "The Remarkable Case of Davidson's Eyes," "Under the Knife," and "The Queer Story of Brownlow's Newspaper." With the 1895 publication of his first novel, The Time Machine, Wells established himself as the foremost science-fiction writer of his era. This entertaining collection was selected and edited by Martin Gardner, who also provides an Afterword that offers insight into the liveliness and originality of Wells’ imagination.