The Puzzle Universe: The History of Math in 315 Puzzles

by Ivan Moscovich

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

The Puzzle Universe is intended for general readers and devoted puzzlers. It is about the latent beauty of mathematics, its history, and the puzzles that have advanced and emerged from the science of numbers. It is full of challenging historical facts, thinking puzzles, paradoxes, illusions, and problem solving.

There are 315 puzzles in this book. Extended captions explain in easy terms the value of the puzzles for mathematical and educational purposes, particularly in light of the findings of recent research. This historical and pedagogical dimension sets The Puzzle Universe apart from similar books.

The puzzles appear in a dynamic layout for a visual experience that is Ivan Moscovich's trademark. There are ten chapters complete with answers. Icons show the challenge rating and the tools needed (pencil, scissors, ruler, and of course, brain) to solve the puzzle.

Genres: Puzzles, Mathematics, Nonfiction, History, Unfinished

396 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2015

Reviews

[Dionysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't see any written reviews, so i'll write one. Beautifully illustrated puzzles ( many of them famous) and there are just tons of them. Highly recommended, one of the best puzzle books i've seen.

[Corrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a large, heavy book filled with puzzles of differing varieties. Like another person commented, the answers were not always 100% accurate, but the book definitely showcased a variety of puzzles and the math behind them.

Some of the puzzles, particularly the 3d ones, didn't interest me. Others I couldn't wait to dig into. The artwork was largely good, which makes sense as this is the type of giant coffee table book that someone could be expected to leaf through while you were getting them a drink from the kitchen.

[Tim Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive survey of mathematically important puzzles.

[Maurizio Codogno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivan Moscovich è uno dei più famosi progettisti di giochi. Ha già passato i 90 anni, quindi vi lascio immaginare quanto ha potuto fare negli anni. Questo libro è una coloratissima opera che di matematica non parla più di tanto, se non per avere una scusa per parlare di giochi, storici e moderni, da carta e penna, da tavola, o da manipolare. Soprattutto per quanto riguarda gli ultimi anni ho scoperto cose che non avevo mai sentito nominare. Il guaio è che la versione americana che ho acquistato (è poi uscita anche la versione italiana, Matemagica, che però non ho letto) ha parecchi refusi e le figure sono spesso malfatte nei punti dove si incontrano più colori; inoltre le soluzioni sono spesso scritte troppo in piccolo. In definitiva una buona opera di riferimento, ma sarebbe potuta essere meglio.

[Toon Pepermans · Rating 2 out of 5]

has at least one big error in the solutions, on how to colour an icosahedron (problem 50)

it also promotes crap science (Max Tegmark)

(I'm using the Dutch translation, where the translator clearly didn't know what mathematical 'limits' are)

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.