100 essential things you didn't know you didn't know about math and the arts
(Book)

Cosmologist, theoretical physicist, and mathematician Barrow (mathematical sciences, Cambridge Univ.) provides an intriguing miscellany of short essays on various mathematical topics. The title promises that they will be, in some way, about the relationship of mathematics and the arts. In truth, while the entries include some examples that are squarely on target, others are fascinating but not really about the arts. An example of the first kind is a chapter that considers the fractal nature of Jackson Pollack's paintings. On the other side is a piece on how the days of the week came to be so named and how their order was decided. While there is no systematic development or attempt at instruction, throughout the material are ideas that will inspire one to further investigation. As such, the book will be a strong reference for classroom teachers interested in adding a touch of humor or motivation to their regular lesson plans. Composed of 100 short, two- or three-page chapters, this is a good book to dip into when stuck on a queue or otherwise "on hold." VERDICT Well written and easy to read but more suited for personal rather than library collections.-Harold D. Shane, Mathematics Emeritus, Baruch Coll. Lib., CUNY (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Cosmologist, theoretical physicist, and mathematician Barrow (mathematical sciences, Cambridge Univ.) provides an intriguing miscellany of short essays on various mathematical topics. The title promises that they will be, in some way, about the relationship of mathematics and the arts. In truth, while the entries include some examples that are squarely on target, others are fascinating but not really about the arts. An example of the first kind is a chapter that considers the fractal nature of Jackson Pollack's paintings. On the other side is a piece on how the days of the week came to be so named and how their order was decided. While there is no systematic development or attempt at instruction, throughout the material are ideas that will inspire one to further investigation. As such, the book will be a strong reference for classroom teachers interested in adding a touch of humor or motivation to their regular lesson plans. Composed of 100 short, two- or three-page chapters, this is a good book to dip into when stuck on a queue or otherwise "on hold." VERDICT Well written and easy to read but more suited for personal rather than library collections.—Harold D. Shane, Mathematics Emeritus, Baruch Coll. Lib., CUNY