You might have thought a collection of poems, music, science fiction and
cartoons would make contrived reading if they were all chosen for their
mathematical theme. You would be wrong, and you would miss out on Arthur C.
Clarke, Mark Twain, Lewis Carroll and many other excellent pieces. The
Mathematical Magpie, edited by Clifton Fadiman, is a treasure to be kept handy
for making good use of those spare ten minutes. Published by Copernicus,
£11.50/$19.95, ISBN 038794950X.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Mind
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
News
Technology
Killer robots are here – we must finally decide whether to accept them
Leader
Technology
Quantum computer quickly mines cryptocurrency while using less energy
News
Mind
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
Comment
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
2
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
3
First working nuclear clock heralds a new era in timekeeping
4
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
5
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
6
Hundreds of new moons are revealing our solar system's violent history
7
El Niño has started and the weather could get weird
8
What really happened when ancient humans migrated out of Africa
9
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
10
Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion
