Gardner's Whys & Wherefores [Hardcover]

Martin Gardner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1989

Martin Gardner is best known for his many popular books about science and mathematics, but in this collection he demonstrates that his interests encompass nearly everything else as well. No one will agree with all of Gardner's views, but it is hard to imagine a reader who will not find them exciting, provocative, and a pleasure to read.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Well-known for his math-games column in Scientific American and his many books, Gardner here brings together 16 diverting essays on literature and mathematics and 20 book reviews on science-related matters, reprinted from Nature , Science , Discover , the Boston Globe and the New York Review of Books. The subjects of these pieces range from the abacus, the pi ratio, the science fiction of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Casey at the Bat to puzzle poems, the "curious mind" of Allan Bloom and unsolved problems in number theory. As Gardner says of himself in his NYRB review of one of his own books (reprinted here), "the man has a reputation as a hoaxer." But in this delightful collection of brilliant insights he will pull no wool over the eyes of his many readers-to-be. Illustrated.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Best known as a writer of mathematical recreations and popular science, Gardner aims at a wider audience in these brief essays, cheerfully pursuing his speculations into the realms of philosophy and literature. The same love of magic and whimsy sustains him whether he is surveying fantasy literature, totting up subatomic particles, or breezing through word puzzles. At times his efforts degenerate into miscellaneous dabbling, and Gardner does well to point out more substantial books along the way. His own previous math and science titles compare well with this one; they can still provide any type of library with enjoyable explorations. The present volume offers some of the same pleasures but spreads them a little thin.
- Donald Ray, Mercy Coll., Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (June 15, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226282457
• ISBN-13: 978-0226282459
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,821,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

For 25 of his 95 years, Martin Gardner wrote 'Mathematical Games and Recreations', a monthly column for Scientific American magazine. These columns have inspired hundreds of thousands of readers to delve more deeply into the large world of mathematics. He has also made significant contributions to magic, philosophy, debunking pseudoscience, and children's literature. He has produced more than 60 books, including many best sellers, most of which are still in print. His Annotated Alice has sold more than a million copies. He continues to write a regular column for the Skeptical Inquirer magazine.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Gardner, September 6, 2002

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mrliteral - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Gardner's Whys & Wherefores (Paperback)

Martin Gardner has written a number of great books over the years. This, while not his best, still shows off his strengths.

Unlike some of his recent books that are dedicated primarily to debunking various paranormal events, this book is mostly a collection of reviews of various books and authors. There is also some amusing diversions such as a chapter filled with word play.

For an introduction to Gardner, this may not be the best book since it doesn't focus on either debunking or mathematical recreations, which is where he does his best work. For Gardner fans, however, this should not be a disappointment.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lively treastise on math and science down through the ages., March 3, 2000

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gardner's Whys & Wherefores (Paperback)

Martin Gardner's best essays on math and science puzzles are compiled in Whys & Wherefores, a title which includes articles on the literary puzzles of other writers. His survey of other writers' science fiction concepts and other ideas of scientific change and wonders through the ages makes for a lively treatise.