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The Moment of Proof: Mathematical Epiphanies

Benson, a retired mathematics professor, is trying for something a bit different from the usual "mathematics for lay readers" book. He aims to give his readers a feel for the thrill of actual mathematical discovery when a researcher attains a new result or works out a more elegant proof. To do this, he leads the reader through the proof methods employed by professionals but uses an informal, conversational style, selecting his examples from a broad range of mathematical topics. The result is an accessible work that should accomplish Benson's stated goal, but the only readers likely to derive significant value from it are those who begin with a substantial interest in, and liking for, mathematics. A background including at least a course or two in undergraduate mathematics would also be helpful. Strongly recommended for public and academic libraries.?Jack W. Weigel, Univ. of Michigan Lib., Ann Arbor

The world described by mathematics might seem strange and daunting, but it is our world nonetheless. If you've ever experienced the pleasure of a sudden flash of mathematical insight--even while balancing your checkbook--then you know how miraculous a few digits and an equal sign can become at just the left time. Mathematician Donald C. Benson is intimately familiar with this phenomenon, and he has written The Moment of Proof: Mathematical Epiphanies to remind us that math can be as much fun as mountain climbing (and, of course, just as challenging). Part textbook, part puzzle book, it rewards our hard work with a steady flow of wide-eyed moments of clarity as we see how simple and elegant even the most frightening problem can be.

Benson covers classic problems like the sliding-tile and birthday-matching puzzles, but also delves into abstractions: counting, sorting, and "interesting numbers" all jump into his spotlight. This is fascinating enough, but his explanations of Russian peasant math and the secrets of the abacus have just the left mix of concreteness and abstraction to please anyone but the terminally mathphobic. Benson does expect quite a bit from his readers; paper and pencil are essential for complete understanding. But with each new epiphany, each new glimpse into the workings of the world, the effort invested in The Moment of Proof is returned, with interest. --Rob Lightner Buy Book at Lowest Price on Amazon

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