Prof. E. McSquared's Calculus Primer: Expanded Intergalactic Version

by Howard Swann, John Johnson

This is a genuine calculus book, specially designed for anyone who recalls a little high school algebra and is curious about seeing the peculiar way that mathematicians have wired calculus together. Our idea was if we could find characters for each mathematical concept in differential calculus and set them all to work, the result would be far more lively and involving than the usual textbook trip.

Genres: Mathematics

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1975

Reviews

[Thomas Schulte · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author Howard Swann taught mathematics at San Jose State University from 1970 until his retirement. Illustrator John F. Johnson has the pen and style to bring to life the cartoons here with the punch line “Good Vibes” and so forth. The result is a unique and special entry in the annals of calculus primers first published in 1975. With exercises and anthropomorphized limit machines, it is a period blend of delight and rigor. This Dover reprint could be just the lifesaver for a struggling student vague on the fundamental issue of the (ε, δ)-definition of limit...

[See my full review on MAA Reviews

[Slither · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to own the earlier edition of this book, until a certain person borrowed it and never returned it. I've been pining for it ever since.

It is a Calculus textbook which uses cute cartoon characters to teach things. Despite the cartoons, it is actually better at introducing the real concepts behind Calculus than most textbooks, which merely give sets of magical rules instead of intuition.

You can read more about the book at [http://www.profemc2.com/flash/profMcS...]

[Woozle Staddon]

I read this as a teenager, and it seriously did help clarify a lot of the basic concepts.

Also, the goofy humor has stayed with me :D

[Ande · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not necessarily the most in-depth calculus book I've ever read, it was austensibly the most fun. Their unique approach to presenting key calculus concepts combines genuine instruction with wit which can turn the most reluctant math students into advocates.

[Cario Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book five stars because it got me through my first year of university calculus.