Customer Reviews

200% of Nothing : An Eye-Opening Tour through the Twists and Turns of Math Abuse and Innumeracy

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When Dewdney took over Douglas Hofstadter's Scientific American column, he had some pretty big shoes to fill. But he did a marvellous job, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading his Computer Recreations every month. They were original and inspiring. With 200 percent of nothing, Dewdney is clearly scraping the barrel. When I read it, I thought it was OK, although I found the style of writing pretty bad. Still, there was enough enjoyable material there. However, I recently read John Allen Paulos' "Innumeracy", and that was a real shocker. Paulos' book is *so* much better than Dewdney's, that it is embarrasing the latter one. Not only that, but comparing the two books, it is evident that Dewdney leaned heavily on "Innumeracy". Yes, he *does* reference the book, but many, many of his examples are taken straight from it. Worse even, he writes the examples in his own words, which makes it immediately clear that he is not even close to the perfect style of writing Paulos displays. After having read "200 Percent of Nothing", I gave it a 7, but after reading "Innumeracy" (which I rate at 10), Dewdney's feeble attempt devaluates to a 4. "200 Percent of Nothing" is 50 Percent Paulos and 150 Percent hot air.

Certainly this country of ours needs to be concerned about its illiteracy problem. It perhaps should be even more concerned about innumeracy, the mathematical equivalent of illiteracy. While many of us would be insulted if someone questioned our ability to comprehend the written word, we quite easily laugh at being idiots when mathematics is involved.

As a result we think nothing of an ad promising that a new light bulb will save 200% on energy. If that statement sounds OK to you, then you better read this book or one like it.

Here's a slim tome that addresses some of the more egregious insults to the field of mathematics and statistics. If you are totally innumerate it will raise your numbers IQ a few points. It's an easy book to read; too easy, as a matter of fact, and that's a shame. The author provides very little theory, many, sometimes useless, anecdotes, and some soap box preaching about mathematics being the premiere science.

He does touch on the mathematics of probablity, a subject that most people should know more about. Anyone with a basic knowledge of probability quickly realizes that coincidences don't just happen, they MUST happen. That fact throws a wrench into a lot of "sciences of the paranormal." And remember, from a statistical standpoint your chance of winning the big lottery is no different whether you buy a ticket or don't buy it. Is there a way to improve your chances for winning big? Yes. Pick numbers that no one else picks like, 1,2,3,4,5,6. That way you run less of a chance of getting tied with someone.

There are other books out there that give you better information, but this one is OK if you want to learn a little applied math without having to turn your brain on at all.

The way you feel when you see those 1-900-pshycic info-mercials (how can ANYONE be SO stupid?). Well, after reading this book, I can summize why the people who DON'T call DON'T call... Certainly an adequate and explainative adaptation to modern, everyday reasoning; as well as how it realistically corresponds to the average "Joe". Put new batteries in your scientific calculator, and have a ball comparing notes! At times, somewhat a little insulting to your intelligence, while at other times opens your eyes to simple little things that you've seen 100 times, put into a true but different perspective. Bottom line...I'm glad that I bought it, and will most assuredly reference it from time to time now that its on my bookshelf.

I read this book a few years ago. The book is little more than a pale imitation of John Allen Paulos' highly successful "Innumeracy" series. I decided to review this book now because I recently read another book, "Debunking 9/11 Myths," in which Dewdney's name came up. Apparently Dewdney has spent most of his spare time over the last few years peddling ridiculous 9/11 "Reichstag Fire" type conspiracy theories. I strongly recommend that you read John Allen Paulos' "Innumeracy" or anything by Martin Gardner instead of Dewdney, who has degenerated into a crank of the highest magnitude.

Truly an eye-opening book, pointing out many often overlooked flaws and abuses in the use of mathematics to sell a product or advance a political agenda. Should be required reading in any consumer education course.

"200% of Nothing" by A.K, Dewdney has a very good subject, but the author needs a better editor or a partner to bring the writing into the range of decent.

I wish the book were more interesting. But, the presentation does not live up to the subject matter. Too bad! We need more light pouring into some of these dark corners of our world.

While the book is OK, it could be better.

A very amusing fast read. Having worked with the media and the general public regarding statistics, I found myself nodding and smiling often at the examples presented. However, the last chapter really detracted from the overall flow of the book. The tone changes. Dewdney gets on a soapbox, telling everyone how the world can't live without more mathmaticians. Puh-lease!

Didnt like this book at all. The Author attempted to use "witty and clever" diction that only confused the reader. He isnt even certified to write this book under the category of math .... hes a CS professor! It has some good examples but over all it was very hard to follow