Martin Gardner Essay
WHO WAS MARTIN GARDNER?
Leading Quote: “Pick up anything (Martin Gardner) wrote. You’ll smile and learn something.” –Persi W. Diaconis (bolded top of page)
Martin Gardner was the best friend Mathematics ever had. He was responsible for introducing math to the world in a whole new way by turning something intimidating and unapproachable to many into fun and games or—even better—magic. It is said that by doing so “he brought more mathematics to more millions than anyone else.”* (Richard K. Guy)
(I imagine the existing picture next to this section perhaps where it is or over to the left, depends on layout. His name along with birth and death should be listed underneath: (October 21, 1914 – May 22, 2010)
As a popular mathematics and science writer he was best known for his column in Scientific American. Based on recreational mathematics, it became the most popular feature of the magazine and was responsible for captivating young people and the young at heart. His writing presented math as fun but it did so much more than that—it introduced many readers to real mathematics for the very first time. The column lasted for 25 years …show more content…
He was considered a leading authority on Lewis Carroll and was well-known for his annotated version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass in which he walks readers through the many mathematical riddles, wordplay, and literary references that can be found throughout. At the age of 95 he wrote Undiluted Hocus-Pocus: The Autobiography of Martin Gardner. About this, Jordan Ellenberg of the Wall Street Journal writes: "For those of us who believe that the sciences and the humanities don't have to be enemies, Martin Gardner is an inspiring model. Undiluted Hocus-Pocus reveals a man immersed in philosophy, religion and literature, even as he makes a career writing about
Leading Quote: “Pick up anything (Martin Gardner) wrote. You’ll smile and learn something.” –Persi W. Diaconis (bolded top of page)
Martin Gardner was the best friend Mathematics ever had. He was responsible for introducing math to the world in a whole new way by turning something intimidating and unapproachable to many into fun and games or—even better—magic. It is said that by doing so “he brought more mathematics to more millions than anyone else.”* (Richard K. Guy)
(I imagine the existing picture next to this section perhaps where it is or over to the left, depends on layout. His name along with birth and death should be listed underneath: (October 21, 1914 – May 22, 2010)
As a popular mathematics and science writer he was best known for his column in Scientific American. Based on recreational mathematics, it became the most popular feature of the magazine and was responsible for captivating young people and the young at heart. His writing presented math as fun but it did so much more than that—it introduced many readers to real mathematics for the very first time. The column lasted for 25 years …show more content…
He was considered a leading authority on Lewis Carroll and was well-known for his annotated version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass in which he walks readers through the many mathematical riddles, wordplay, and literary references that can be found throughout. At the age of 95 he wrote Undiluted Hocus-Pocus: The Autobiography of Martin Gardner. About this, Jordan Ellenberg of the Wall Street Journal writes: "For those of us who believe that the sciences and the humanities don't have to be enemies, Martin Gardner is an inspiring model. Undiluted Hocus-Pocus reveals a man immersed in philosophy, religion and literature, even as he makes a career writing about