The Puzzle Universe: A History of Mathematics in 315 Puzzles

by Ivan Moscovich

Overview

A renowned puzzle master and game inventor presents 315 new and traditional puzzles.

Longlisted, 2016 School Library Association Information Book Award 12+

"A great read for anyone interested in puzzles or mathematics."
—Publishers Weekly

"Gift Guide Selection 2015. Moscovich, a celebrated puzzle inventor, makes a compelling case for puzzle solving as a means of developing creativity and even intelligence."
—American Scientist

"The Puzzle Universe is a quixotic, informative and enlightening encyclopedia of recreational mathematics. It should prove to be an inspiration to mathematical idlers, and a rich resource for learners and teachers who wish to be attuned to the playful and creative side of mathematics."
—Mathrecreation Blog

The Puzzle Universe is intended for general readers and devoted puzzlers but it has also found its way into school libraries and curricula. It is about the latent beauty of mathematics, its history and the puzzles that have emerged from the science of numbers. It is full of challenging historical facts, thinking puzzles, paradoxes, illusions and problem solving.

A historical and pedagogical dimension sets The Puzzle Universe apart. The 315 puzzles are described in extended captions that explain in easy terms the story of the puzzles' origins and attempts to solve them, the value of puzzles to education, and the development of the mathematical sciences in light of recent research and unmet challenges. There are many profiles of great mathematicians.

The puzzles appear in a dynamic layout for a visual experience that is the author's trademark. There are ten chapters complete with answers. Icons rate the challenge and indicate the tools needed (pencil, scissors, ruler and, of course, your thinking cap).

With this book, Ivan Moscovich invites readers to join him in the puzzle universe, an edifying environment of creative discovery, problem solving and fun.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780228101536
Publisher:	Firefly Books, Limited
Publication date:	09/20/2019
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	396
Sales rank:	600,183
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Ivan Moscovich is celebrated worldwide as one of the leading inventors and presenters of visual games and puzzles. He has more than 40 illustrated books to his credit of which The Big Book of Brain Games has sold over one million copies and is translated into more than 20 languages. He is widely recognized as one of most innovative inventors in the toy industry. He lives in England.

Editorial Reviews

[Review of hardcover edition:] Would make a great gift for a mathematically minded friend or family member.

Dr. Mike's Blog - Mike

[Review of hardcover edition:] The Puzzle Universe is a quixotic, informative, and enlightening encyclopedia of recreational mathematics. It should prove to be an inspiration to mathematical idlers, and a rich resource for learners and teachers who wish to be attuned to the playful and creative side of mathematics.

Mathrecreation Blog - Dan MacKinnon

[Review of hardcover edition:] First things first: To ease your mind, yes, this book includes an answer section as well. But Moscovich, a celebrated puzzle inventor, makes a compelling case for puzzle solving as a means of developing creativity and even intelligence, so you might want to give it a go to solve a few on your own before consulting the answers. Colorful illustrations are mixed with historical notes about famous mathematicians, all kinds of puzzles and games, and discussions of objects ranging from gears to the Sphinx-making this book all the more engaging for puzzle enthusiasts and those interested in the history of science. Gift Guide 2015 Selection.

American Scientist - Fenella Saunders

[Review of hardcover edition:] Would make a great gift for a mathematically minded friend or family member.

Dr. Mike's Blog - Mike 4-1

01/11/2016
Moscovich is well known for his many books on mathematics and puzzles, including 1000 Playthinks, and in many ways, this book picks up where that one left off. Playthinks are mathematical puzzles and conundrums, derived from different scientific disciplines, which Moscovich writes are intended to "transfer you to a state of mind where free thinking, pure play and problem solving coexist for the betterment of your brain," and he introduces even more in this book. These Playthinks vary in difficulty, but what adds appeal to this book is that they are presented in a loose chronology. Moscovich takes the reader through a history of mathematics where key personages of the history of science and mathematics are introduced and interesting aspects of their work is contextualized and reflected in a Playthink. This book is good for all ages and readerships, but like many books of this type, what readers will get out of it will be proportionate to the efforts they put in. Moscovich's aim, however, is to encourage creative thought through challenges that should entice, not daunt, and he includes an answer key at the back. It's a great read for anyone interested in puzzles or mathematics. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

This trove contains puzzles, brain teasers and games, some of which date back thousands of years.

Wall Street Journal - Keith Blanchard

Having read several of Ivan Moscovich's previous puzzle books, I was not surprised in thumbing through it to find a wonderful collection of puzzles and problems to challenge mathematicians of all ages and levels, and all presented in beautiful color. What seems to be even newer here is a larger focus on the historical nature of the problems in the development of mathematics... Check out what I believe may be the most beautiful coffee table holiday gift for all the puzzle lovers on your Christmas list.

Pat's Blog - Pat Ballew

First things first: To ease your mind, yes, this book includes an answer section as well. But Moscovich, a celebrated puzzle inventor, makes a compelling case for puzzle solving as a means of developing creativity and even intelligence, so you might want to give it a go to solve a few on your own before consulting the answers. Colorful illustrations are mixed with historical notes about famous mathematicians, all kinds of puzzles and games, and discussions of objects ranging from gears to the Sphinx-making this book all the more engaging for puzzle enthusiasts and those interested in the history of science. Gift Guide 2015 Selection.

Fenella Saundersn Scientist