Mathematical Journeys

Theoni Pappas is passionate about mathematics. A native Californian, Pappas received her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966 and her M.A. from Stanford University in 1967. She taught high school and college mathematics for nearly two decades, then turned to writing a remarkable series of innovative books which reflect her commitment to demystifying mathematics and making the subject more approachable. Through her pithy, nonthreatening and easily comprehensible style, she breaks down mathematical prejudices and barriers to help one realize that mathematics is a dynamic world of fascinating ideas that can be easily accessible to the layperson. Her math calendars and over 18 math books appeal to both young and adult audiences alike. Three of her books have been Book-of-the Month Club selections, and her Joy of Mathematics was selected as a Pick of the Theoni Pappas is passionate about mathematics. A native Californian, Pappas received her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966 and her M.A. from Stanford University in 1967. She taught high school and college mathematics for nearly two decades, then turned to writing a remarkable series of innovative books which reflect her commitment to demystifying mathematics and making the subject more approachable. Through her pithy, nonthreatening and easily comprehensible style, she breaks down mathematical prejudices and barriers to help one realize that mathematics is a dynamic world of fascinating ideas that can be easily accessible to the layperson.Her math calendars and over 18 math books appeal to both young and adult audiences alike. Three of her books have been Book-of-the Month Club selections, and her Joy of Mathematics was selected as a Pick of the Paperbacks. Her books have been translated foreign languages which include Japanese, Finnish, French, Slovakian, Czech, Korean, Turkish, Russian, Thai, simplified and traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, Vietnamese, and Spanish. In 2000 Pappas received the University of California Alumni Association's Excellence in Achievement Award for her work on books and other innovative products that deal with mathematics. She currenttly lives in Palo Alto, CA. -- Theoni Pappas * author *

TABLE OF CONTENTS
All about the Fibonacci sequence and then some

Discovering gold in mathematics

Mathematics in a paper's creases

non-Euclidean geometries—what are they?


What am I seeing?—the mathematics behind optical illusions

Flexagons—is this mathematics?

The mystery & excitement behind the cycloid and other paradoxes

Stretching mathematics—the study of topology

The magic in magic squares

Embarking on your own mathematical journey

Supplements —in depth reviews/lessons, highlights, what was studied, more to learn,. -- Theoni Pappas