Wheels, Life and Other Mathematical Amusements

Wheels, Life and Other Mathematical Amusements collects Martin Gardner's Scientific American columns from 1981 to 1983. The book presents mathematical puzzles, games, and recreational mathematics problems across fifteen chapters. Each chapter focuses on a specific mathematical concept or puzzle type, from Conway's Game of Life to geometric dissections and probability paradoxes. Gardner provides historical context, mathematical proofs, and solutions while maintaining accessibility for general readers. The topics range from simple numerical curiosities to complex mathematical principles, including cellular automata, cryptography, and geometric transformations. Reader participation is encouraged through hands-on demonstrations and exercises. The collection demonstrates the intersection of mathematics with art, nature, and everyday life, revealing patterns and connections that exist beyond pure numbers. This volume continues Gardner's tradition of making mathematics both engaging and intellectually substantial.

Readers view this collection of Martin Gardner's Scientific American columns as accessible and entertaining, with mathematical puzzles and games that provide intellectual stimulation without requiring advanced math skills. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations that break down complex concepts - Mix of recreational math with cultural/historical context - Quality diagrams and illustrations - Continued relevance despite being published in 1983 Common criticisms: - Some chapters feel dated - A few inconsistencies in problem solutions - Index could be more comprehensive Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (57 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (11 reviews) From reviews: "The hexaflexagon chapter alone makes this worth reading" - Goodreads reviewer "Starts simple but builds to challenging problems that require real thought" - Amazon review "Not quite as engaging as some other Gardner collections, but still solid" - Mathematics Teaching review

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🔵 Martin Gardner's column "Mathematical Games" ran in Scientific American for 25 years, making it one of the longest-running columns in the magazine's history. 🔵 The book includes an exploration of the famous "Game of Life," created by mathematician John Conway, which demonstrates how simple rules can create complex patterns and behaviors. 🔵 Gardner, despite writing extensively about mathematics, never took a math course beyond high school and was primarily self-taught in the subject. 🔵 The "wheels" referenced in the title includes discussion of Penny Puzzles, where coins are arranged to roll around each other in seemingly impossible ways - a topic that fascinated both mathematicians and magicians. 🔵 Many of the puzzles and problems presented in the book were originally contributed by readers of Gardner's Scientific American column, creating a collaborative aspect to mathematical discovery.