In Mathematical Circles: A Selection of Mathematical Stories and Anecdotes: Quadrants I, II, III, and IV (Mathematical Association of America) [Hardcover]

Howard W. Eves (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0883855429 | ISBN-13: 978-0883855423 | Publication Date: November 1, 2002

For many years, famed mathematics historian and master teacher Howard Eves collected stories and anecdotes about mathematics and mathematicians, gathering them together in six Mathematical Circles books. Thousands of teachers of mathematics have read these stories and anecdotes for their own enjoyment and used them in the classroom - to add entertainment, to introduce a human element, to inspire the student, and to forge some links of cultural history. All six of the Mathematical Circles books have been reissued as a three-volume edition. This three-volume set is a must for all who enjoy the mathematical enterprise, especially those who appreciate the human and cultural aspects of mathematics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The 360 different anecdotes compiled in these delightful volumes will add zest to every teacher's mathematical classes. There are appropriate selections for all levels of students. They are short, succinct, and at the same time given in simple settings which enable the reader to identify with the story and its implications. Here is presented the kind of material that makes the difference to the undecided student. I highly recommend you putting a copy next to your worktable.' The Mathematics Teacher

Book Description

Howard Eves has collected stories and anecdotes about mathematics and mathematicians, gathering them together in six Mathematical Circles books, now reissued as a three-volume edition. Teachers of mathematics can read these stories and anecdotes for their own enjoyment, and use them in the classroom to add entertainment and inspire students.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883855429
• ISBN-13: 978-0883855423
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,210,316 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great mathematical anecdotes..., January 20, 2001

By 

Mike Christie (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Mathematical Circles: A Selection of Mathematical Stories and Anecdotes, Vols. 1-2 (2 Volume Set) (Hardcover)

The three hundred and sixty anecdotes collected here by Howard Eves deal primarily with mathematical trivia. Most of the tales are stories about individuals--what foolish claim did Alhazen make about the Nile? Did you know Thomas Carlyle had a mathematical background? Sometimes he adds a little research to a well-known story. For example, there is a famous tale about a meeting between Euler and Diderot at the Russian court. Eves includes De Morgan's early version of the story and compares it to his source, Thiebault, concluding that, sadly, the anecdote as it's usually told is mostly wishful thinking. There are also some notes on odds and ends--the origin of the word "sine" was new to me.

If you like popular mathematics books you'll have heard quite a few of these before, but many will still be new to you. My own favourites are the last few in the book, about Norbert Wiener, the famously absent-minded MIT professor. Here's one, to give you the flavour: one day Wiener was asked in class how to do a certain problem. "He thought for a moment, then wrote the answer on the blackboard. The class was nonplussed, and finally a bold spirit asked, 'But, Professor Wiener, is there any other way to do the problem?' The professor thought again for a moment, then brightened up and said, 'Why, yes, there *is* another way.' Then he wrote the same answer on the board."... However, it's a fine book, and if money is no object I can assure you you'll enjoy it.