Mathematician's Delight (Dover Science Books) [Paperback]

W. W. Sawyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 2007 | Series: Dover Science Books

"Recommended with confidence" by The Times Literary Supplement, this lively survey starts with arithmetic and algebra and gradually proceeds to trigonometry and calculus. The author, who is internationally renowned for his innovative teaching methods, offers insights into the pleasures of mathematics that will appeal to readers of all backgrounds. 1943 edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Dover Ed edition (October 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486462404
• ISBN-13: 978-0486462400
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #535,632 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent prose, excellent subject matter, August 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mathematician's Delight (Penguin Mathematics) (Mass Market Paperback)

W. W. Sawyer was one of the greatest teachers of mathematics within the past century. The continuing popularity (to the extent that books on math can be popular) of his other books -- *Prelude to Mathematics* (which deals with advanced math) and *Vision in Elementary Mathematics* (which deals with arithmetic and basic algebra) -- serve as evidence for the wonderful ability he had to make math seem useful and interesting to everyone from the math-phobic to the dedicated mathematician.

Contrary to some other reviews, Sawyer's prose was NOT dull or dry. We have to keep in mind the fact that *Mathematician's Delight* was written for an audience in the 1940's to 1950's Britain and Canada. Obviously, the style and tone won't be consistent with the way that we 21st century Americans are used to. But even giving him that benefit of the doubt, Sawyer's prose is always lively, entertaining, and full of insights into his chosen subject of mathematics as well as insight into why many people struggle with aspects of that subject.

I definitely agree with the positive aspects of the other reviews. This indeed is an excellent book to take you from the basics of algebra all the way up to and beyond calculus. I sincerely hope that someone brings this book back in print.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that teaches the reader to think & approach problems., September 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mathematician's Delight (Penguin Mathematics) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a great book. Highly recommended by me to be read by everyone especially students who fear mathemtics. "So long as a subject seems dull, you can be sure that you are approcahing it form the wrong angle" - W.W.Sawyer

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very grounded approach to mathematics and critical thinking., March 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mathematician's Delight (Penguin Mathematics) (Mass Market Paperback)

It was worth reviewing just to find out about the basis of Euclid's work in the generalization of rules of thumb of carpentry. I've used this material over and over in teaching mathematics and physics.