9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

Amazing - Surprising, August 31, 2009
by Claudia Etheridge
"Philosophy is written in this greatest book constantly open before our eyes.......... It is written in the language of mathematics and the characters are triangles, circles and other geometric figures........." wrote Galileo. With "Mathematical Amazements and Surprises" (their latest work), the authors may not decipher such language for the reader, nor translate it into English , but they certainly prove that the language of mathematics does exist.
The book consists of 5 chapters which are titled: "Number Properties and Relationships" "Arithmetic Entertainments and Novelties", "Arithmetic Loops", "Geometry Surprises" and "Mathematical Nuggets: Amazing, but True!". The chapters are followed by an afterward by Nobel Laureate H.A. Hauptman. It also includes an appendix that lists "Triangular, Square and Cubic Numbers".
Particularly interesting to me was the chapter on arithmetic loops. By following certain paths and by making the necessary calculations, we end up into loops the validity of which the most skeptical mind will not be able to deny.
Anybody who believes that there is more to our universe than what the five senses (or even the average mind) can recognize, will enjoy the subjects discussed.
A beautiful piece of work . It is not often that a book delivers so convincingly the promise in the title.
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For the nit-picking, this is another book by Alfred S. Posamentier and Ingmar Lehmann, authors of "The (Fabulous) Fibonacci Numbers". Such book was criticized by some of the Amazon.com reviewers for containing inaccuracies. I do not know if this one also does, as I am not a mathematician and did not linger on the detail. But, whether or not there are inaccuracies here as well, the message is what matters most, just like it was the case for the previous work. Such message is conveyed in as clear a manner as can be done.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Delightful and stimulating, October 17, 2009
by Midwest Book Review
Any library strong in math and science will find Mathematical Amazements and Surprises: Fascinating Figures and Noteworthy Numbers delightful and stimulating. It provides fun math insights, highlighting the beauty and significance of numbers, and offering both novices and professionals arithmetic entertainment at its best. Many a high school to college-level library will find a winner here - but general-interest lending libraries will also find it a fun, different pick.
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

A Wonderfully Amazing & Fascinating Study, October 2, 2009
by Larry Underwood
Authors Posamentier & Lehmann have compiled an entertaining & engaging book sure to amaze anyone about the crazy nuances in the study of mathematics. Even if math isn't your strong suit, you'll enjoy this wonderful guide; in fact, it's probably more enjoyable for the mathematically challenged individual (such as me), because it demonstrates how fun numbers can be, if we just give them the chance.
I loved it. For anyone looking to expand their knowledge on the often perplexing world of mathematics, pick up this gem; you'll feel much more comfortable with a once intimidating subject, and realize that it's not all that hard to have fun with those mind boggling numerical equations.