Penrose Tiles to Trapdoor Ciphers and the Return of Dr. Matrix

by Martin Gardner

Here is another collection drawn from Martin Gardner's 'Mathematical Games' column in Scientific American. Each chapter explores a different theme, for example fractals, surreal numbers, the sculptures of Berrocal, tiling the plane, Ramsey theory and code breaking, all combining to create a rich diet of recreational mathematics. Most chapters can be readily understood by the uninitiated: at each turn there are challenges for the reader and a wealth of references for further reading. Gardner's clarity of style and ability systematically to simplify the complex make this an excellent vehicle in which to start or continue an interest in recreational mathematics.

Genres: Mathematics, Science, Nonfiction, Puzzles

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 1989

About the author

Martin Gardner was an American mathematics and science writer specializing in recreational mathematics, but with interests encompassing micromagic, stage magic, literature (especially the writings of Lewis Carroll), philosophy, scientific skepticism, and religion. He wrote the Mathematical Games column in Scientific American from 1956 to 1981, and published over 70 books.

Reviews

[Jim Razinha · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the most recent reviews of the series, I am less enamored of his later columns, but this one did have a return of Dr. Matrix. Only two more collections left...