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Description
The Colossal Book of Mathematics: Classic Puzzles, Paradoxes, and ProblemsIn its twelve sections, The Colossal Book of Math explores a wide range of areas, each startlingly illuminated by Gardner's incisive expertise. Beginning with seemingly simple topics, Gardner expertly guides us through complicated and wondrous worlds: by way of basic algebra we contemplate the mesmerizing, often hilarious, linguistic and numerical possibilities of palindromes; using simple geometry, he dissects the principles of symmetry upon which
In its twelve sections, The Colossal Book of Math explores a wide range of areas, each startlingly illuminated by Gardner's incisive expertise. Beginning with seemingly simple topics, Gardner expertly guides us through complicated and wondrous worlds: by way of basic algebra we contemplate the mesmerizing, often hilarious, linguistic and numerical possibilities of palindromes; using simple geometry, he dissects the principles of symmetry upon which the renowned mathematical artist M. C. Escher constructs his unique, dizzying universe. Gardner, like few thinkers today, melds a rigorous scientific skepticism with a profound artistic and imaginative impulse. His stunning exploration of "The Church of the Fourth Dimension," for example, bridges the disparate worlds of religion and science by brilliantly imagining the spatial possibility of God's presence in the world as a fourth dimension, at once "everywhere and nowhere."
With boundless wisdom and his trademark wit, Gardner allows the reader to further engage challenging topics like probability and game theory which have plagued clever gamblers, and famous mathematicians, for centuries. Whether debunking Pascal's wager with basic probability, making visual music with fractals, or uncoiling a "knotted doughnut" with introductory topology, Gardner continuously displays his fierce intelligence and gentle humor. His articles confront both the comfortingly mundane--"Generalized Ticktacktoe" and "Sprouts and Brussel Sprouts"--and the quakingly abstract--"Hexaflexagons," "Nothing," and "Everything." He navigates these staggeringly obscure topics with a deft intelligence and, with addendums and suggested reading lists, he informs these classic articles with new insight.
Admired by scientists and mathematicians, writers and readers alike, Gardner's vast knowledge and burning curiosity reveal themselves on every page. The culmination of a lifelong devotion to the wonders of mathematics, The Colossal Book of Mathematics is the largest and most comprehensive math book ever assembled by Gardner and remains an indispensable volume for the amateur and expert alike.
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 09/17/2001
ISBN: 9780393020236
Pages: 736
Weight: 2.89lbs
Size: 9.18h x 7.26w x 1.61d
Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 07/30/2001 pg. 76
Scitech Book News 12/01/2001 pg. 37
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★★★★★ 5
Attractive, Simple, And Well-Made
Size: 7.7" x 7.7" x 1.7", Color: Orange (Metal Glided)
I use this as a "catchall". A place to stash things like my wallet and keys when I enter the door, so that I don't use them (I had been prone to that!). It serves it's purpose well. It's both sturdy and attractive, and a good size for a "catchall". Recommended for those like me who need such things.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
★★★★★ 4
Good quality, orange color
Size: 7.7" x 7.7" x 1.7", Color: Orange (Metal Glided), Size: 7.7" x 7.7" x 1.7", Color: Orange (Metal Glided)
The quality is surprisingly good but the color is much more orange toned in person.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
★★★★★ 5
Holder
Size: 7.7" x 7.7" x 1.7", Color: Black (Metal Silvered)
It’s great for my keys and wallet and other stuff I use it every day
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Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Very nice leather catch all
Size: 7.7" x 7.7" x 1.7", Color: Black (Metal Glided)
Lovely tray. High quality.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Easy to travel
Color: Black
Purchased for travel. Fits my bracelets, watch and my phone. Plenty of room, easy to fold flat to put on my suitcase.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
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