School mathematics can often be a dreary endeavor for students, but for those willing to explore beyond its confines, there are countless mathematical curiosities to be found. Ian Stewart, a magpie-like collector of mathematical wonders, has compiled a private cabinet of delights for all to see. This collection contains a plethora of mind-bending curiosities, such as how to extract a cherry from a cocktail glass (which is harder than one might imagine), a pop-up dodecahedron, and even tips on how to make money through proving the obvious.
Amidst these fascinating tidbits, there are keys to unlocking the greatest mysteries in mathematics, including Fermat’s Last Theorem, the Poincaré Conjecture, and the perplexing P/NP problem, which boasts a one million-dollar reward for its solution. Inside this cabinet, you’ll find beguiling secrets about well-known figures like Pythagoras and prime numbers, as well as anecdotes about the greatest mathematicians of all time. Who knows what treasures you’ll discover when you explore the drawers of the Professor’s cabinet.
