Pythagoras' Revenge: A Mathematical Mystery (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Math geeks will best appreciate this uneasy mix of higher mathematics and Dan Brown–style intrigue, the fiction debut of science journalist Sangalli (The Importance of Being Fuzzy and Other Insights from the Border Between Math and Computers). The Order of the Beacon, a œNeo-Pythagorean sect that believes the ancient Greek philosopher has been reincarnated, is seeking Pythagoras' current incarnation. The conspiracy ropes in mathematician Jule Davidson and his twin sister, Johanna, a computer security specialist. Pages of academic prose devoted to such concepts as random numbers as well as unnecessary chronological jumps interrupt the narrative flow. Those who enjoyed Tefcros Michaelides's Pythagorean Crimes (Reviews, July 21, 2008) will find more of the same. (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Pythagoras' Revenge: A Mathematical Mystery is more than just a novel. It is also an introduction to several big ideas in mathematics, from infinite series to unsolvable puzzles. . . . [T]his romp through ancient and modern mathematics is entertaining in patches, and certainly a cut above standard holiday reading. Despite occasional plot hiccups, its gripping story will likely hold readers to the end.
(Physics World )

Who would have guessed that a murder-treasure mystery lay hidden behind a geometric formula familiar to every high-schooler? Weaving a wealth of mathematical scholarship into a compellingly plotted novel, Sangalli recounts a fascinating tale of ancient arson and modern sleuthing, as Pythagoras of Samos (forever linked to the triangular theorem bearing his name) perishes amid brutal intrigues sweeping an early Greek colony, yet leaves behind a tantalizing legacy of numerical reasoning and paranormal mysticism. . . . To be sure, it is the author's own fertile imagination that generates the characters who form this resolute band and then scripts the adventures they encounter in their unlikely international quest. . . . [R]eaders will learn a great deal about real mathematics and its history as they join Pythagoras' modern epigones in pondering the meaning of geometrical patterns, the surprising randomness in numbers, and the logic of mathematical proofs. . . . [T]his engaging narrative will persuade many readers that mathematics offers far more excitement than they had previously supposed.
(Bryce Christensen Booklist )

This is an entertaining read, and although the plot is implausible at times it succeeds in conveying a variety of mathematical and philosophical ideas in a simple and light-hearted way. . . . Pythagoras' Revenge is a gripping novel that offers a refreshing way to learn about mathematics.
(Sarah Shepherd iSquared )

Human beings are story making animals, and this book shows that there is an opportunity to make use of this approach in the field. A fascinating attempt.
(Brian Clegg Popular Science )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (May 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691049556
• ISBN-13: 978-0691049557
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #89,062 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pythagoras' Revenge, July 6, 2009

By	Gordon Parker (Milan, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Anyone with some knowledge of mathematics is familiar with the Pythagorean theorem, for a right triangle the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the sides. What is probably not known is the history of Pythagoras himself. Born in the sixth century BC he developed during his lifetime into a philosopher and mathematician, leader of a group of followers obsessed with the idea that through numbers one could explain the concepts of the world. He left no written record of his philosophy. The fictional account here details the action of various groups seeking a so called manuscript written by Pythagoras. The well written narrative with its many twists and surprises will keep readers eager to follow its development. There are digressions intermingled with the story introducing various mathematical concepts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A literary jewel, August 24, 2009

By	Aubert Daigneault (Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Masterfully written gripping plot with unexpected ending.
Fully suspenseful all along.
Mathematically instructive even for the novice.
Philosophically challenging.
Technically well documented.
Historically substantiated.
Vividly depicting numerous colourful characters, old and recent times and obscure places.
Highly recommended.
A literary jewel.