The Man Who Counted
"The Man Who Counted" is a captivating novel written by Brazilian author Malba Tahan, originally published in Portuguese as "O Homem Que Calculava" in 1949. The book has since been translated into several languages and has been widely acclaimed for its delightful storytelling and its unique blend of mathematics, history, and culture.
The author, Malba Tahan, is the pseudonym of Júlio César de Mello e Souza, a Brazilian mathematician and educator. He created the Malba Tahan persona to write stories that would help his students understand complex mathematical concepts in a more engaging way. In addition to "The Man Who Counted," Tahan wrote several other books under this pseudonym, including "The Adventures of Beremiz," which also features the character of the mathematical wizard Beremiz Samir.
"The Man Who Counted" tells the story of Beremiz Samir, a Persian mathematician who travels throughout the Islamic world, solving mathematical puzzles and problems with ease. The book is divided into twelve chapters, each of which focuses on a different mathematical problem that Beremiz encounters during his travels. Through these problems, Tahan introduces readers to various mathematical concepts, including geometry, algebra, and combinatorics.
Aside from its mathematical content, "The Man Who Counted" also offers a vivid depiction of Islamic culture and history, with references to famous scholars such as Omar Khayyam and Al-Khwarizmi. Through Beremiz's encounters with various people and places, readers are transported to a world that is both exotic and familiar, full of colorful characters and intriguing customs.
Overall, "The Man Who Counted" is a delightful book that will appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds, whether they are interested in mathematics, history, or simply in a well-told tale. The book is considered one of the best books on mathematics.
Author: Malba Tahan
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393309347/
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 224 reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,374,167 in Books
#540 in Math Games
#5,457 in Puzzles (Books)
#14,345 in Mathematics (Books)
