Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also

Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.

Text/BRAND NEW & Bright. Softcover/NF w/whisper of shelfwear. Malba Tahan,

Text/BRAND NEW & Bright. Softcover/NF w/whisper of shelfwear. Malba Tahan, pen name, together w/Breno de Alencar Bianco, of award winning Brazilian mathematician Júlio César de Mello e Souza (1895-1974), who published some 100 books on recreational mathematics & also an admired soccer player. This work (original Portuguese title: O Homem que Calculava, 1949) ranks among his most famous works. 244 pgs, with line drawings, in 34 chapters. Collection of mathematical problems, puzzles & curiosities, embedded in tales inspired by the Arabian Nights. Mathematical challenges enriched in the history, geography & culture of the Islamic Empire which furnished both backdrop & connecting thread of his books. A vivid portrait of times Júlio César never set eyes upon the deserts & cities he so vividly describes. Admirers find his remarkable story storytelling enhances his mathematical skills so middle eastern spices afloat in desert winds that fan the pages. Solve a dispute between 3 brothers failing heir to 35 camels---of which 1/2 (17.5 camels) to go to the eldest, 1/3 (11.666...camels) to the 2nd, and 1/9 (3.888...camels) to the youngest. Fun & Joy in a world past.