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Mathematics, Magic and Mystery (Dover Recreational Math) Paperback – June 1, 1956

by Martin Gardner (Author)

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Why do card tricks work? How can magicians do astonishing feats of mathematics mentally? Why do stage "mind-reading" tricks work? As a rule, we simply accept these tricks and "magic" without recognizing that they are really demonstrations of strict laws based on probability, sets, number theory, topology, and other branches of mathematics.

This is the first book-length study of this fascinating branch of recreational mathematics. Written by one of the foremost experts on mathematical magic, it employs considerable historical data to summarize all previous work in this field. It is also a creative examination of laws and their exemplification, with scores of new tricks, insights, and demonstrations. Dozens of topological tricks are explained, and dozens of manipulation tricks are aligned with mathematical law.

Nontechnical, detailed, and clear, this volume contains 115 sections discussing tricks with cards, dice, coins, etc.; topological tricks with handkerchiefs, cards, etc.; geometrical vanishing effects; demonstrations with pure numbers; and dozens of other topics. You will learn how a Moebius strip works and how a Curry square can "prove" that the whole is not equal to the sum of its parts.

No skill at sleight of hand is needed to perform the more than 500 tricks described because mathematics guarantees their success. Detailed examination of laws and their application permits you to create your own problems and effects.

Mathematics, Magic and Mystery (Dover Recreational Math)

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Product Details

Series: Dover Recreational Math
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Dover Publications; First edition (June 1, 1956)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0486203352
ISBN-13: 978-0486203355
Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.5 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #55 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Math Games
- #359 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Theater
- #411 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Puzzles

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Customer Reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars

5 star		56%
4 star		11%
3 star		0%
2 star		11%
1 star		22%

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 43 people found the following review helpful

One of the most fantastic books on close-up magic.

By A Customer on March 14, 1998

Format: Paperback

This book is very nice. It teaches you how to do magic with any houshold items. There are 2 chapters with cards too. NONE of the tricks described here use any sort of slight of hand. It is 100% mathematical tricks than ANYONE can do. And they are all nice cloe-up tricks which are the type of tricks which are most baffling. Martin Garder, the author of this book is a very talented writer. He wrote many books on mathematics and science. This is a great book and I recomend EVERYONE should get it even if they are not into magic that much.

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22 of 25 people found the following review helpful

Gardner weaves his verbal magic in explaining how some common magic is done

By Charles Ashbacher HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on July 4, 2008

Format: Paperback

The reason why we use the phrases "magic trick" and "card trick" is because we know that there is no such thing as magic. The magician is executing a very specific algorithm that leads from the starting point to the desired conclusion. In this book, Gardner explains some of the algorithms in areas such as card tricks, mental magic and other common feats of legerdemain.
The titles of the chapters are:

*) Tricks with cards part I
*) Tricks with cards part II
*) From Gergonne to Gargantua - more tricks with cards
*) Magic with common objects - the objects are items such as dice and dominoes
*) Topological tomfoolery - tricks with items such as ropes, handkerchiefs and vests
*) Tricks with special equipment
*) Geometrical vanishes part I
*) Geometrical vanishes part II
*) Magic with pure numbers - rapid computation or number guessing tricks

Some people don't want to know how things are done because it spoils the fun for them. Since Gardner explains all of the tricks in complete detail, if you read this book then you will know how to do them yourself. Therefore, you should only pick it up if you can handle the knowledge of how these tricks are performed.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

A great history of all the Greats in Magical Math.

By Jeff Martin Jeff l Martin on December 27, 2012

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

This is a lot of information, well presented, in a compact source. As a pro magician & an educational assembly performer, I can use this as a quick source for material to use in my shows.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

A Classic

By Bruce Torrence on February 22, 2014

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

If you're new to Gardner's mathematical writing, this is a great place to start. The theme for Mathematics Awareness Month 2014 is taken from this book (visit mathaware.org to see the result), and fun as that site is to explore this book really has it all. Gardner has a clear, inviting style that is disarming in its directness. Yet he takes you almost immediately to strange and wonderful places that truly show off the beauty of abstract mathematical ideas. What a ride. I've had a ball rediscovering this classic book.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Great book

By Rachlu91 on January 15, 2014

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

My 12 year old who loves math and science cannot get enough of these books. I highly recommend this author.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

One Star

Not worth the money

Published 4 months ago by Dan Klonowski

Five Stars

Great source of curiosity and discussion topics with my algebra student.

Published 14 months ago by J D GOETTEE

Displeased

This book was more about tricks. I am interested in the explanation of numbers and how they work to decipher words. Read more

Published 19 months ago by Dawud Husain

Cannot just take it off the shelf.

I was expecting something different from this book. After taking a math workshop, I purchased this book based on a suggestion from a person attending. Read more

Published on July 17, 2012 by Middle school teacher

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