"An original and courageous book, capable of conveying to a new audience the understanding that mathematical formulas can be exciting and aesthetically pleasing." —The Times Higher Education Supplemen This book acquaints (or reacquaints) you with the beauty of mathematics and the pleasures of playing with numbers. As entertaining as it is practical, it maintains a level of sophistication consistently high enough to make intelligent people think, but never aims so high that it is difficult to follow. Accompanying the formulas are over 70 amusing cartoons and diverting stories that point up how everyday events can lead to fundamental mathematical insights Contains 49 short, thoroughly entertaining chapters written in simple, clear language Proves that math is fun, functional, and accessible —not an arcane science reserved for specialists