Mathenauts: Tales of Mathematical Wonder by Rudy Rucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book years ago, and it has stayed with me. I was lucky enough to find a copy for 50p in a bookshop close to the University of Glasgow, and it’s stayed with me for about twenty years. It’s been part of my life.
Although it has topics like Goedel’s Theorem, fourth dimension, the liar paradox (“This sentence is false.”) and even fun wordplays, you don’t have to be a maths genius to read, understand and enjoy this book. You’ll read accessible and intriguing fiction stories which will ignite your imagination, and your interest in maths. You’ll absorb these topics better.
Since the book has a series of short stories, you’ll find, naturally, that some speak to you more than others. Isaac Asimov’s story has stayed with me, in particular – I won’t spoil it for you.