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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; First Printing edition (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: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Math Games

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 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]

Format: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. Read more ›

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

Format: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.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

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

By "ksjanna"

Format: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.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book! October 10, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I loved this book, as do my kids. Told as stories, it contains some of the world's classic mathematical puzzles. I am often frustrated when people think math is only about numbers and calculations, and it was delighful to see this collection of entertaining stories that help to dispel that myth.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful March 17, 2002

By One reader

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was 13 when I read it. It is now 25 years later. I can still remember the high brought on by a book that vigorously exercised my mind and imagination.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mathmagic. Simply the best! February 15, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

What can mathematics do for you? Read this pearl and you will find it.
It's not just about math: it's about life!
The Man Who Counted also taught, thought, loved, lived!
The adventures are great! It seems mathmagic!
This book changed my life, and will change yours!

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Give this to a student you really like September 7, 2000

By T. H. Mckinnie

Format:Paperback

This great adventure story is an excellent gift for any student who likes math at all.

This is definitely not the math treatment they are getting in their public (or private) high school, although it should be. Further, this is better writing than they are getting in anything they are reading in their English class.

You will be hard pressed to find a more subtle statement of the absolute beauty of math.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Math book can be amazingly beautiful. A real shock! August 5, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I can be counted in the number of those who learned to fear and hate Math from the deep of their hearts. I read this book six months ago and I come back to it again and again ever since. It's first class literature, too. All I have to say is 'more from Tahan, please!'