Mathematics, Magic and Mystery (Cards, Coins, and Other Magic)

by Martin Gardner

Paperback, 1956

Status

Available

Call number

793.74

Publication

Dover Publications (1956), Edition: 1st, Paperback, 176 pages

Description

No skill at sleight of hand is needed to perform the more than 500 tricks described. Mathematics guarantees their success.

User reviews

LibraryThing member MrJack
I created Gardner's "Square Variation" (pp. 132-134) in wood and fooled many people with it. Four pieces of wood form a perfect 8x8 checkerboard square. Then the pieces are rearranged to make a 5x13 rectangle. When you do the math, there is an apparent gain in area of one square unit!

Language

Original publication date

1956

Physical description

176 p.; 7.99 inches

ISBN

0486203352 / 9780486203355

Local notes

Famed puzzle expert explains math behind a multitude of mystifying tricks: card tricks, stage 'mind reading,' coin and match tricks, counting out games, geometric dissections, etc. Probability, sets, theory of numbers clearly explained. Also, more than 400 tricks, guaranteed to work, that you can do. 135 illustrations.
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