Quick(er) Calculations

If you think mental arithmetic is out of date in the 21st century, think again. This engaging book is about insight and interestingness beyond the simple utility of quicker calculations. The general style is original and characterful, and makes the book distinctive. * Prasenjit Saha, University of Zurich *This book is about very elementary concepts that ought to be read by sophisticated people who appreciate that elementary does not mean trivial. The author’s erudite scholarship shines in the prose, along with just the right level of dry wit. It’s serious stuff he’s writing about (without numbers and arithmetic, our modern world simply vanishes into the ancient past where numbers were limited to none, one, and many), but in such a way that the reader does not slowly nod-off into a coma. * Paul J. Nahin, University of New Hampshire *Lipscombe’s book is unusual, being, as it is, an expansive view of a small subject. The text he presents here is excellent, and is a model of everything a writer strives for: concision, simplicity, directness, accuracy, and surprise. * Don S. Lemons, Bethel College, Kansas *

Trevor Lipscombe graduated with an undergraduate degree in theoretical physics from Queen Mary College, University of London, and then obtained a doctorate in theoretical physics from the University of Oxford. He is the author, with Alice Calaprice, of.