Martin Gardner fue un escritor estadounidense cuyo trabajo abarcó las matemáticas recreativas, la magia, la literatura, la filosofía y el escepticismo científico. Poseía un talento único para hacer que los temas complejos fueran accesibles y atractivos para una amplia audiencia. La escritura de Gardner se caracteriza por su rigor intelectual combinado con una curiosidad lúdica, invitando a los lectores a explorar las maravillas de la lógica y el universo. Su legado perdurable radica en su habilidad para inspirar una apreciación más profunda de la interconexión de diversos campos del conocimiento.
Mucho podemos aprender de las paradojas. Al igual que los buenos trucos de ilusionismo, nos causan tanto asombro que inmediatamente queremos saber cómo se han hecho. Los ilusionistas no revelan jamás cómo hacen lo que hacen, pero los matemáticos no tienen necesidad de guardar el secreto. Las matemáticas no solo pueden ser divertidas, sino que encierran una fabulosa mezcla de sorpresa y de aprendizaje. Nunca se olvidará de ello si se asoma a los asombrosos juegos de Martin Gardner.
Exploring a variety of intriguing mathematical concepts, this book offers fresh perspectives on knotted molecules, the hangman's paradox, and the classic game of cat's cradle. It delves into the realms of gambling and peg solitaire, while also examining the significance of pi and e. Each topic is presented with unique twists that challenge conventional understanding, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for readers interested in mathematics and its applications.
'A landmark, bringing together a lifetime's work on Lewis Carroll by writer and mathematician Martin Gardner. He dazzles on Carroll's puzzles and games of logic and entertains on everything from Alice's influence on the Beat poet Jack Kerouac to howmercury in hat linings turned hatters mad...it is unsurpassed' - Jackie Wullschlager, Financial Times 'The indispensable guide to a classic of English literature...no one who has ever wondered about the meaning of 'Jabberwocky' should fail to include on their Christmas list' - Robert McCrum, Observer
Focusing on engaging the mind, this collection offers a variety of problems and puzzles designed to stimulate and entertain. It serves as a workout for sluggish intellects, promoting mental agility through challenging projects. The book is dedicated to underpaid mathematics teachers, highlighting the importance of their role in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Exploring a diverse range of mathematical and recreational topics, this book delves into packing spheres, the strategy game Reversi, and the intricacies of braids and polyominoes. It also examines board games, the fascinating digits of pi, and the whimsical puzzles crafted by Lewis Carroll. Each section offers insights into both the mathematical principles and the playful aspects of these subjects, making it a captivating read for enthusiasts of mathematics and games alike.
"What makes Gardner so appealing is his ease in exploring deep ideas . . . and making them accessible to the interested but nontechnical reader. This is a special talent and no one has ever displayed it quite as well as he does." — Los Angeles Times"Absorbing; enlightening; lucid; witty; inventive. An exemplar of science writing at its very best." — American Mathematical MonthlyA substantial revision of Martin Gardner's earlier well-known work on mirror symmetry and asymmetry, The New Ambidextrous Universe takes readers on an extraordinary journey. With Gardner’s guidance, they explore the two fundamental scientific discoveries of the past the asymmetric DNA helix and the overthrow of parity (left-right symmetry) in particle physics. Along the way, students will find absorbing and thought-provoking treatments of some of the deepest mysteries in modern physics.Author of more than 60 books, Martin Gardner has influenced and inspired generations of scientists, scholars, and other readers, especially those with an interest in mathematics. He originated Scientific American 's popular Mathematical Games column, which he wrote from 1956 until his retirement from the magazine three decades later. This republication of his revised edition of an earlier work features a new appendix of notes and corrections.
The collection showcases Martin Gardner's renowned Mathematical Recreations columns from "Scientific American," spanning 1979 to 1986. It highlights his ability to convey increasingly sophisticated mathematical concepts in clear, engaging prose. Readers will find a blend of intriguing mathematical explorations and correspondence from mathematicians reflecting on his ideas. This final compilation captures Gardner at his best, making it essential for anyone fascinated by the world of mathematics.
