SKU: 68092748363

The Colossal Book of Mathematics: Classic Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Problems

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The Colossal Book of Mathematics: Classic Puzzles, Paradoxes, and ProblemsIn its twelve sections, The Colossal Book of Math explores a wide range of areas, each startlingly illuminated by Gardner's incisive expertise. Beginning with seemingly simple topics, Gardner expertly guides us through complicated and wondrous worlds: by way of basic algebra we contemplate the mesmerizing, often hilarious, linguistic and numerical possibilities of palindromes; using simple geometry, he dissects the principles of symmetry upon which


In its twelve sections, The Colossal Book of Math explores a wide range of areas, each startlingly illuminated by Gardner's incisive expertise. Beginning with seemingly simple topics, Gardner expertly guides us through complicated and wondrous worlds: by way of basic algebra we contemplate the mesmerizing, often hilarious, linguistic and numerical possibilities of palindromes; using simple geometry, he dissects the principles of symmetry upon which the renowned mathematical artist M. C. Escher constructs his unique, dizzying universe. Gardner, like few thinkers today, melds a rigorous scientific skepticism with a profound artistic and imaginative impulse. His stunning exploration of "The Church of the Fourth Dimension," for example, bridges the disparate worlds of religion and science by brilliantly imagining the spatial possibility of God's presence in the world as a fourth dimension, at once "everywhere and nowhere."

With boundless wisdom and his trademark wit, Gardner allows the reader to further engage challenging topics like probability and game theory which have plagued clever gamblers, and famous mathematicians, for centuries. Whether debunking Pascal's wager with basic probability, making visual music with fractals, or uncoiling a "knotted doughnut" with introductory topology, Gardner continuously displays his fierce intelligence and gentle humor. His articles confront both the comfortingly mundane--"Generalized Ticktacktoe" and "Sprouts and Brussel Sprouts"--and the quakingly abstract--"Hexaflexagons," "Nothing," and "Everything." He navigates these staggeringly obscure topics with a deft intelligence and, with addendums and suggested reading lists, he informs these classic articles with new insight.

Admired by scientists and mathematicians, writers and readers alike, Gardner's vast knowledge and burning curiosity reveal themselves on every page. The culmination of a lifelong devotion to the wonders of mathematics, The Colossal Book of Mathematics is the largest and most comprehensive math book ever assembled by Gardner and remains an indispensable volume for the amateur and expert alike.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 09/17/2001
ISBN: 9780393020236
Pages: 736
Weight: 2.89lbs
Size: 9.18h x 7.26w x 1.61d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 07/30/2001 pg. 76
Scitech Book News 12/01/2001 pg. 37
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SKU: 68092748363

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These pillows are wonderfully soft and fluffy, making them great to sleep on. They hold their shape well, especially if you get the version with a protective cover. Comfort is good, and they moderately stay supportive through the night. Overall, a great pillow pick that works exactly as expected.
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Too firm. Seems like there is too much filling inside the pillow. You can’t fold it in half or burrow into it. Otherwise the quality is quite good.
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soft dont hold shape
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Size: Standard (2 Pillows + 2 Protectors), Style: Soft, Configuration: Pillows + Protectors
I purchased this Amazon Basics pillow set with protective pillow covers, and it was honestly a great buy. The pillows have a soft density, which is perfect if you like comfort without feeling too firm or stiff. From the first night, they adapted well to my head and neck, helping me sleep more comfortably.
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Don't try to save $$ when buying pillows. Better to sleep happy!
Size: Standard (2 Pillows + 2 Protectors), Style: Soft, Configuration: Pillows + Protectors, Size: Standard (2 Pillows + 2 Protectors), Style: Soft, Configuration: Pillows + Protectors
Instead of purchasing what I was looking for I went with the Amazon variation and I'll think twice before doing that again. The reviews for this pillow said that it was "soft" (not FIRM) and good for side sleepers. Now imagine a pillow that you have to inflate, and you fill it to maximum capacity, then try to sleep on that balloon! It barely gives when you lay on it and is FIRM! Go with your gut and don't try and save a few bucks when you buy something as important as a pillow. Unfortunately they were vacuum packed and I don't think I can return them. They inflated quite a bit and it would be a pretty big hassle. Someone is getting a gift of 2 very firm pillows!
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