The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures - Softcover

Tahan, Malba

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0393309347 ISBN 13: 9780393309348

Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc, 1993

Synopsis

A collection of famous mathematical puzzles, taken from a popular newspaper column, features the "writings" of the fictional author, Malba Tahan, who describes different mathematical puzzles and solutions applied to real situations.

Malba Tahan is the creation of a celebrated Brazilian mathematician who was looking for a way to bring some of the mysteries and delights of mathematics to a wider public. He turned out to be a born storyteller.

The adventures of Beremiz Samir, The Man Who Counted, take the reader on an exotic journey in which, time and again, he summons his extraordinary mathematical powers to settle disputes, give wise advice, overcome dangerous enemies, and win for himself fame and fortune. as we accompany him, we learn much of the history of famous mathematicisns who preceded him; we undergo a series of trials at the hands of the wise men of the day; and we come to admire the warm wisdom and patience that earn him the respect and affection of those whose problems he resolves so astutely. In the grace of their telling, these stories hold unusual delights for the reader.

About this title

Review:

Here's a delightful little book that combines the joys of mathematical recreation with some fine storytelling. It follows the Arabian adventures of a man with remarkable mathematical skills, which he uses to settle conflict and give wise advice. The tales of his travels involve the solving of mathematical puzzles and sharing insights from the minds of some of history's great mathematicians. In reading it, you can almost smell the spices and feel the desert wind. You just don't find this kind of atmosphere in books about mathematics.

About the Author:

Júlio César de Mello e Souza, a Brazilian mathematician, published more than one hundred books under the name Malba Tahan. Even after his identity was exposed, he wrote as Tahan until his death in 1974.

Poet and translator Alastair Reid lives in New York City.

About this edition

• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0393309347
• ISBN 13: 9780393309348
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256
• Illustrator: Baquero Patricia Reid