A Mathematical Nature Walk [Hardcover]

John A. Adam (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Indeed, Adam has deliberately reworked topics treated in Mathematics in Nature to make them accessible to a larger audience. Beyond insights into specific questions about nature, the general reader will find here a remarkably lucid explanation of how mathematicians create a formulaic model that mimics the key features of some natural phenomenon. Adam particularly highlights the importance in this process of solving inverse problems. Ordinary math becomes adventure.
(Booklist )

[A]dam's love of both nature and mathematics is obvious, and his chatty style and sense of humour--look out for the question about spontaneously combusting haystacks--enliven a book that will get readers thinking as well as itching for a pleasant stroll.
(Physics World )

If you are a walker, as I am, your daypack probably contains sunscreen, a poncho, a floppy hat, and a pair of binoculars. After reading this snappy guide to the mathematics of the outdoors, by John Adam, a professor of mathematics at Old Dominion University in Virginia, you might consider tossing in a programmable calculator. . . . A sharp eye and an ingenious mind are at work on every page. . . . Read this book with pencil and paper in hand. Then go forth, enjoy the view, and impress your friends.
(Natural History )

A catalogue of playful inquiries and their mathematical solutions.
(Conservation Magazine )

There are now few (if any) areas of science where mathematics does not play a role and, by extension, many of the sights and sounds of nature can be studied using mathematics. This is the motivation behind A Mathematical Nature Walk by John Adam, which considers some of the natural phenomena that might be encountered on a walk in the countryside (or even just a wander around one's own garden).
(Sarah Shepherd iSquared )

[S]urprising and entertaining. . . . Adam's book is lucidly written, making it suitable for people of all ages.
(Good Book Guide )

The dedicated reader stands a lot to gain from delving into the text and thinking hard about the problems posed. As the saying goes, 'mathematics is not a spectator sport,' so if this book is read with pencil and paper at hand, to scribble along and confirm understanding of the mathematical trains of thought--all the better.
(Philip McIntosh Suite101.com )

Review

Finally a book that shows the general reader how mathematics can explain the natural phenomena that we continuously encounter but rarely understand. John Adam answers questions about nature's secrets--many of which we haven't even thought to ask. This is a delightful book.
(Alfred S. Posamentier, coauthor of "The Fabulous Fibonacci Numbers" )

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press; 1 edition (April 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691128952
• ISBN-13: 978-0691128955
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #231,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Tough going, July 11, 2009

By	Tom H (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Mathematical Nature Walk (Hardcover)

I have begun studying maths as part of a science degree and I thought this would be a good book to add a little spice to the often dry theoretical work involved in introductory calculus.
Although the book is good for what it is, it should be advertised for people who have at least mastered the fundamentals of calculus and probably beyond. I have had to hold off reading this book until my calculus is at an intermediate level, so while I don't feel cheated I would warn against buying this unless you're very 'fluent' in maths.

32 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A Mathematical Nature Walk, July 1, 2009

By	Werner G. Deuser (Falmouth, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Mathematical Nature Walk (Hardcover)

This book is not for the lay person. The reviews on the back cover were
written by the author's peers. Being a scientist myself, I bought the book
to inspire my grandchildren (high school and college age) in things
scientific and mathematical. However, their eyes would glaze over before
finishing the Introduction. While the questions posed in the book are
certainly interesting, the derivations of the answers are strictly for
those who have a mathematical mindset.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Explanitory approach to simple wonders, June 29, 2009

By	Michael Zimmermann - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Mathematical Nature Walk (Hardcover)

I have found this book to be a good source of answers to some very common questions about nature, science, and the things we see every day. In the age of search few of these answers are out of reach, but this book is a nice compilation presented in easy to follow ways. I particularly think it a good review for people wanting to keep some of these answers fresh in case children's inquisitive minds happen to ask.