The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures [Paperback]

Malba Tahan (Author), Patricia Reid Baquero (Illustrator), Leslie Clark (Translator), Alastair Reid (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 17, 1993

A collection of famous mathematical puzzles, taken from a popular newspaper column, features the "writings" of the fictional author, Malba Tahan, who describes different mathematical puzzles and solutions applied to real situations.

Malba Tahan is the creation of a celebrated Brazilian mathematician who was looking for a way to bring some of the mysteries and delights of mathematics to a wider public. He turned out to be a born storyteller.

The adventures of Beremiz Samir, The Man Who Counted, take the reader on an exotic journey in which, time and again, he summons his extraordinary mathematical powers to settle disputes, give wise advice, overcome dangerous enemies, and win for himself fame and fortune. as we accompany him, we learn much of the history of famous mathematicisns who preceded him; we undergo a series of trials at the hands of the wise men of the day; and we come to admire the warm wisdom and patience that earn him the respect and affection of those whose problems he resolves so astutely. In the grace of their telling, these stories hold unusual delights for the reader.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Here's a delightful little book that combines the joys of mathematical recreation with some fine storytelling. It follows the Arabian adventures of a man with remarkable mathematical skills, which he uses to settle conflict and give wise advice. The tales of his travels involve the solving of mathematical puzzles and sharing insights from the minds of some of history's great mathematicians. In reading it, you can almost smell the spices and feel the desert wind. You just don't find this kind of atmosphere in books about mathematics.

From Library Journal

Puzzle books can be tedious (unless you like that sort of thing), but not this one. First published in Brazil in 1949 by the mathematician Julio de Melo e Sousa (Tahan is the imaginary Arab author he claimed to have translated), it is a series of delightful "Arabian nights"-style tales, with each story built around a classic mathematical puzzle. The puzzles fit into the stories so naturally that they are a necessary part of the fantasy. The hero is a Persian mathematician and mystic named Beremiz who uses his powers of calculation like a magic wand to amaze and entertain people, settle disputes, find justice and, finally, win the heart of a beautiful princess. Reading the stories is as much fun as trying to solve the puzzles. For adults and children.
- Amy Brunvand, Fort Lewis Coll. Lib., Durango, Col.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (January 17, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393309347
• ISBN-13: 978-0393309348
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,806 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Math Games
  • #52 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Puzzles

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Opens your heart and mind to the beauty of mathematics, November 13, 2000

By 

Young Kim (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures (Paperback)

I first read this book in the original Portuguese many years ago, when I was still in grade school. Imagine my surprise when I found a copy in English! This is a truly marvelous book. It recounts the life of a humble, but wise sheep herder in ancient Arabia who through the power and beauty of mathematics and logic lives the greatest adventures.

It tackles in beautiful form some basic principles of mathematics, and teaches the reader the power of logical thinking. A book for all ages, highly recommended.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional mix of storytelling and mathematics., May 26, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Laguna Niguel, California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures (Paperback)

I've read The Man Who Counted some 30/35 years ago in its original Brazilian edition. My book has desappeared long ago, but I've never forgotten its content. Last year, while vacationing in Rio, I was browsing through a book store and came across with a new edition of Tahan's book, also in the Portuguese language. Coming back home, I checked on Amazon.com and was delighted to learn that an English version of the Man Who Counted was available. I ordered a copy and gave it to my 9 year old son, who loved the book, as much as I did when I was about his age. Malba Tahan presents practical mathematical problems and curiosities by telling the story of Beremiz Samir, a man who lived in the ancient Arabia, and who had an incredible ability for counting and calculating. Beremiz was a simple and humble man that utilized his mathematical skills with remarkable fairness and common sense. Traveling from his hometown of Samarra to the ancient Baghdad, Beremiz, on his way, helps merchands, family members and friends to settle their personal disputes about money, properties, etc... Beremiz's mathematical wisdom spreads rapidly through the region, and soon he is invited to the Royal Palace to give advise to sheiks and to the King himself. The arithmrtic and calculations in The Man Who Counted are based in real problems ecountered by Beremiz and the people he meets on his way. Along with the mathematical curiosities, Tahan also teaches valuable lessons of life, all presented in a narrative which makes you read this book as a novel, and go back to parts of it once you're done. This book is specially recommended for young people. With its collection of curious practical problems, and great storytelling, The Man Who Counted will probably stir the attention even of those kids that "hate" math. The ones who appreciate math will definitely love this book and, very likely, will never forget it.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's an amazing story, May 1, 1999

By 

"ksjanna" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures (Paperback)

Every time I read this book, it never fails to amaze me. I am so wrapped up in the beauty and intricity of mathematics that I forget that I really "hate" doing math!! This book not only gives fun puzzles to solve, but also forces you to see the wonder of mathematics. I would say more, but I don't want to bore you.. all I can say is that it's enchanting, wonderful, and you will never, ever regret buying it nor will you ever look at math the same way again.