Reproduction of the original: Amusements in Mathematics by Henry Ernest Dudeney

Martin Gardner's Mathematical Games columns in Scientific American inspired and entertained several generations of mathematicians and scientists. Gardner in his crystal-clear prose illuminated corners of mathematics, especially recreational mathematics, that most people had no idea existed. His playful spirit and inquisitive nature invite the reader into an exploration of beautiful mathematical ideas along with him. These columns were both a revelation and a gift when he wrote them; no one--before Gardner--had written about mathematics like this. They continue to be a marvel. This is the original 1983 edition and contains columns published from 1970-1972. It includes three columns on the game of Life.

Amusements in Mathematics: Large Printauthor: Henry Ernest Dudeney'Twas last Bank Holiday, so I've been told, Some cyclists rode abroad in glorious weather. Resting at noon within a tavern old, They all agreed to have a feast together. "Put it all in one bill, mine host," they said, "For every man an equal share will pay." The bill was promptly on the table laid, And four pounds was the reckoning that day. But, sad to state, when they prepared to square, 'Twas found that two had sneaked outside and fled. So, for two shillings more than his due share Each honest man who had remained was bled. They settled later with those rogues, no doubt.

"Amusements in Mathematics" by Henry Ernest Dudeney Henry Ernest Dudeney was an English author and mathematician who specialized in logic puzzles and mathematical games. He is known as one of the country's foremost creators of mathematical puzzles. This book contains 430 puzzles, problems, paradoxes, and brain-teasers presented by a master of mathematical ingenuity. Virtually every sort of mathematical or logical poser is included in this extraordinary collection.

Differentiated book- It has a historical context with research of the time-Henry Ernest Dudeney (April 10, 1857 - April 23, 1930) was an English author and mathematician specializing in logical puzzles and mathematical games. He is known as one of the country's leading mathematical puzzle creators. Dudeney was born in the town of Mayfield, East Sussex, England, one of the six children of Gilbert and Lucy Dudeney. His grandfather, John Dudeney, was known as a self-taught mathematician and pastor; His initiative was greatly admired by his grandson. Dudeney learned to play chess at an early age, and continued to play frequently throughout his life. This led to a marked interest in mathematics and puzzle composition. Chess problems in particular fascinated him during his early years. Although Dudeney spent his career in the Civil Service, he continued to brainstorm various problems and puzzles.Dudeney's first contributions were newspaper and magazine appearances, often under the pseudonym "Sphinx." Much of this previous work was a collaboration with the American puzzle Sam Loyd; in 1890, they published a series of articles in the weekly English penny Tit-Bits. Dudeney later contributed puzzles under his real name to publications like The Weekly Dispatch, The Queen, Blighty, and Cassell's Magazine.

Praised for its "exceptionally good value" by the Journal of Recreational Mathematics, this book offers fun-filled insights into many fields of mathematics. The brainteasers include original puzzles as well as new approaches to classic conundrums. A vast assortment of challenges features domino puzzles, the game of noughts and crosses, games of encirclement, sliding movement puzzles, subtraction games, puzzles in mechanics, games with piles of matches, a road puzzle with concentric circles, "Catch the Giant," and much more. Detailed solutions show several methods by which a particular problem may be answered, why one method is preferable, and where the others fail. With numerous worked examples, the clear, step-by-step analyses cover how the problem should be approached, including hints and enumeration of possibilities and determination of probabilities, application of the theory of probability, and evaluation of contingencies and mean values. Readers are certain to improve their puzzle-solving strategies as well as their mathematical skills.

"Amusements in Mathematics" from Henry Dudeney. English author and mathematician who specialised in logic puzzles and mathematical games (1857-1930).