Mathematics, Magic and Mystery (Dover Math Games & Puzzles)

I've spent many years studying both magic and mathematics (separately and together). When it comes to joining these fields together, there have been a number of important individuals who've made a number of important contributions, but Martin Gardner is the grandfather of us all. This book represents a treasury of over a hundred mathematical magic tricks, more than enough to keep the reader busy for years.The wonderful thing about this book is its scope. Despite being a relatively short book, it covers a lot of territory, featuring mathematical magic tricks using a wide range of props ranging from mere numbers themselves to playing cards and ropes and much more. If you want the largest collection of mathematical trickery I've ever seen conveniently presented in a single reference, this is the book for you.However, if you're looking for a detailed exploration of the mathematics behind those tricks, you may be disappointed. While Gardner's other works clearly demonstrate that he was up to the task, he didn't provide much mathematical depth in this book. It's a rare page that even contains a single equation. The result is a book that, though it covers mathematical ground, is much better suited to the amateur magician than to the amateur mathematician.

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.

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.

One of a kind puzzle book. Wonderful illustrations, entertaining and stimulating writing. Good mix of puzzles, with well-organized chapters. I owned this 60 years ago, when I was a teen! And I still like it.

This was not what I was expecting.

Great product!

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. I wanted a book that was slightly more user friendly than this one. I have not used it because each time I looked at the title expect to be able to open it up to discover a great math trick I then open the book and find the text dry and dull. I placed the book in my free time area thinking it would be great for advanced students, however after 4 years no one picked it up. I know Martin Gardner is a brilliant author, but this one was too much for me.

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

I’ve been learning about magic squares and a friend found this book for himself in a book shop. I bought it from eBay and it’s amazing! It gives some great insight into the history of the squares and shows some really cool ways to create them. I’ve edifies my knowledge by reading it.

A great book

This is a must-have item if you are interested in mentalism and/or mental magic.

It's a Martin Gardner book. What more do you need to know? The man's a legend. All his stuff is entertaining.

Great fun and very clever