The Moscow Puzzles: 359 Mathematical Recreations (Dover Brain Games: Math Puzzles) - Softcover

Kordemsky, Boris A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486270785 ISBN 13: 9780486270784

Publisher: Dover Publications, 1992

Synopsis

This is, quite simply, the best and most popular puzzle book ever published in the Soviet Union. Since its first appearance in 1956 there have been eight editions as well as translations from the original Russian into Ukrainian, Estonian, Lettish, and Lithuanian. Almost a million copies of the Russian version alone have been sold.
Part of the reason for the book's success is its marvelously varied assortment of brainteasers ranging from simple "catch" riddles to difficult problems (none, however, requiring advanced mathematics). Many of the puzzles will be new to Western readers, while some familiar problems have been clothed in new forms. Often the puzzles are presented in the form of charming stories that provide non-Russian readers with valuable insights into contemporary Russian life and customs. In addition, Martin Gardner, former editor of the Mathematical Games Department, Scientific American, has clarified and simplified the book to make it as easy as possible for an English-reading public to understand and enjoy. He has been careful, moreover, to retain nearly all the freshness, warmth, and humor of the original.
Lavishly illustrated with over 400 clear diagrams and amusing sketches, this inexpensive edition of the first English translation will offer weeks or even months of stimulating entertainment. It belongs in the library of every puzzlist or lover of recreational mathematics.

About this title

Review:

This book has been a classic in the former Soviet Union since it was first published in 1956, and it remains just as entertaining today. A master at making math fun for his high school students, Boris Kordemsky loaded this clever collection with a wide variety of math and logic related games and puzzles dealing with magic squares, tricky weights and measures, properties of numbers, mathematical tricks, and more. Number and math game fans are bound to find several new amusements here. Even many of the well-known classics from generations past take on new life with the fresh twists Kordemsky provides.

About the Author:

Boris A. Kordemsky PhD (1907 - 1999) was a Russian mathematician and educator. He is best known for his popular science books and mathematical puzzles, writing over 70 books in the course of his lifetime.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0486270785
• ISBN 13: 9780486270784
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320