Editors Pegg, Schoen and Rodgers, all noted "recreational" mathematicians, have compiled articles on math-based puzzles and tricks to pay homage to Martin Gardner, a famous puzzler who provided the "Mathematical Games" column to the Scientific American for many years. Written for general readers with a modicum of mathematical ability, this volume features stories on such puzzles and games as the tangram, the 14-15 puzzle, the seven-coloring of the torus and packing circles. Chapters are also devoted to the history of these puzzles as well as some of the numerical hoaxes (such as card tricks) that have confounded the public over the years. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
The tradition of honoring Martin Gardner continues with this edited collection of articles by those who have been inspired by Gardner to enter mathematics, to enter magic, to bring magic into their mathematics, or to bring mathematics into their magic. Contributing authors include world-leading puzzle designers, puzzle collectors, mathematicians, and magicians.
The variety of articles includes card or magic tricks (with a mathematical trick behind them), the history behind given puzzles, mathematically interesting objects involving the number seven, and puzzles for the reader to solve. Specific puzzles discussed include tangram, 14-15 Puzzle, seven-coloring of the torus, packing circles, Crazy Elephant Dance, and more!
