Meet New Books

Books matching: mathematical fiction

30 result(s)

Readers also searched for:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 30 
  1. #1

    The Last Theorem by Arthur C. Clarke
    Save:

    The Last Theorem by Arthur C. Clarke is a collaborative work that delves into themes such as Fermat's Last Theorem, space elevators, solar sailing, omnipotent aliens, AI, and achieving world peace. The plot follows the main character, Ranjit, who is deeply obsessed with Fermat's Last Theorem and is set in Clarke's beloved adopted homeland of Sri Lanka. The book features real characters, a Sri Lankan setting, and touches on ideas of interpersonal behavior, motivations, and the challenges of achieving peace without dictatorship.

    At this time Ranjit was sixteen years old, a freshman at Sri Lanka’s principal university, in the city of Colombo, and more full of himself than even your average sixteen-year-old. He wasn’t at the un...

  2. #2

    Dichronauts by Greg Egan
    Save:

    Greg Egan creates a world in his novel 'Dichronauts' that is described as weirdly fascinating, with two space dimensions and two time dimensions, making it hard to comprehend for some readers. The novel is a story of exploration in a setting that is both less didactic and much stranger than 'Flatland'. The author's clear and succinct prose style is appreciated by readers who are familiar with Egan's previous works, making it a solid indicator of whether one would enjoy this book.

    By the time they arrived the sky was bright, and all the vantage points to the east and west of the museum were taken, occupied by a good-natured but impenetrable throng. So they sidled north into the...

  3. 'The Planiverse: Computer Contact with a Two-Dimensional World' by A.K. Dewdney is a fascinating fictional story about a college computer lab's accidental contact with a two-dimensional world. The plot follows the mystical quest of Yendred, a character from the two-dimensional world, as the readers learn about the physics, chemistry, and biology of a two-dimensional existence. The author provides intricate details and diagrams of how objects like steam engines and clocks could function in a two-dimensional world, making the narrative both educational and imaginative. Dewdney's writing style effectively uses 2D analogies to give readers a glimpse of what a 4D space might be like, creating a compelling and thought-provoking storyline.

    is marketed as a computer-oriented fantasy in the tradition of 'Flatland,' offering readers a unique perspective on a two-dimensional world and its sapient creatures. Readers find the book to be well-written, engaging, and a great exercise for the brain, challenging them to think in 2D and expand their 3D vision. Despite some criticisms regarding loose ends and weak characterization, 'The Planiverse' is praised for its detailed world-building, interesting observations about 2D physics, and the effort put into exploring the intricacies of a two-dimensional existence. Overall, the book is described as compelling, interesting, and a favorite among readers who enjoy mathematical and imaginative narratives.


  4. #4

    Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott
    Save:

    'Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions' by Edwin A. Abbott is a mathematical fiction novella that takes readers on a journey through various dimensions, exploring the concept of shapes and dimensions. The book presents a satirical commentary on Victorian society while engaging readers with an intriguing thought experiment of living in worlds of different dimensions. Through the eyes of a two-dimensional protagonist, the story delves into the challenges and wonders of understanding higher dimensions, offering a unique perspective on geometry and societal norms.

    The narrative unfolds as the protagonist, A. Square, navigates through different dimensions, encountering beings and societies that challenge his understanding of the world. The book blends elements of social satire, mathematical exploration, and philosophical inquiry, inviting readers to ponder on the complexities of existence, perception, and societal structures in a thought-provoking and imaginative manner.

    When I was in Spaceland I heard that your sailors have very similar experiences while they traverse your seas and discern some distant island or coast lying on the horizon. The far–off land may have b...

  5. #5

    Diaspora by Greg Egan
    Save:

    'Diaspora' by Greg Egan explores a future where humanity has evolved into various post-human entities, such as robots, digital humans, and software societies, following an astronomical disaster that renders Earth uninhabitable. The story delves into complex themes like transhumanism, parallel universes, and the implications of individual autonomy in virtual reality. The writing style is described as heavy on scientific concepts, particularly in areas like particle physics and multi-dimensional mathematics, which may be challenging for some readers but ultimately contributes to a mind-blowing exploration of cosmic cataclysms and existential questions.

    The conceptory was non-sentient software, as ancient as Konishi polis itself. Its main purpose was to enable the citizens of the polis to create offspring: a child of one parent, or two, or twenty – f...

  6. #6

    Year's Best SF 6 by David G. Hartwell
    Save:

    'Year's Best SF 6' edited by David G. Hartwell is a collection of science fiction short stories from various authors. The anthology features a diverse range of stories, from advanced mathematics and terrorism to space civilizations and future technologies. The writing style is described as original, well-written, and enjoyable, with stories ranging from humorous and ironic to thought-provoking and fantastical. The book showcases a mix of established and lesser-known authors, offering a sampling of different sub-genres within science fiction, such as sociological, hard science, bio-eco, and dystopian themes.


  7. #7

    Diamond Dogs - Revelation Space by Stephen Baxter, Alastair Reynolds
    Save:

    Diamond Dogs' in the series 'Revelation Space' by Stephen Baxter, Alastair Reynolds consists of two novellas that delve into the enigmatic universe of Revelation Space. In 'Diamond Dogs', readers are taken on a suspenseful journey as a team of explorers faces the deadly challenges of the Blood Spire on a desolate planet, solving mathematical puzzles to progress while encountering extreme body modifications and sinister themes. 'Turquoise Days' offers a captivating tale set on a pattern juggler planet, exploring the mysterious world of the waterborne Pattern Jugglers as two sisters have a life-changing encounter with them.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Revelation Space )

  8. #8

    The Indian Clerk by David Leavitt
    Save:

    "The Indian Clerk" by David Leavitt is a fictionalized account of the relationship between the mathematicians Srinivasa Ramanujan and G.H. Hardy. It delves into their unique partnership, Ramanujan's struggles adapting to English life, and Hardy's role as a mentor. The narrative also explores the intellectual and emotional elements of Ramanujan's story, providing a more intimate portrayal of the mathematicians than other biographical works. weaves together historical facts with fictional elements, highlighting the obstacles these two brilliant but eccentric men faced in the early 20th century.

    THE MAN SITTING next to the podium appeared to be very old, at least in the eyes of the members of his audience, most of whom were very young. In fact he was not yet sixty. The curse of men who look y...

  9. #9

    An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
    Save:

    'An Abundance of Katherines' follows the story of Colin Singleton, a former child prodigy who has been dumped by 19 girls named Katherine. To cope with his latest breakup, Colin embarks on a road trip with his best friend, Hassan, and ends up in Gutshot, Tennessee. Along the way, Colin delves into creating a mathematical theorem to predict the future of his relationships, while encountering quirky characters and engaging in humorous adventures. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the complexities of relationships, all with a touch of humor and wit.

    The book features a unique writing style that incorporates footnotes to provide additional context and humor, making it an engaging read for both young adult and adult audiences. Through Colin's journey of self-reflection and growth, the story explores deeper themes of identity, acceptance, and the unpredictability of life, all set against the backdrop of a charming small town filled with memorable characters.

    The morning after noted child prodigy Colin Singleton graduated from high school and got dumped for the nineteenth time by a girl named Katherine, he took a bath. Colin had always preferred baths; one...

  10. 'The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure' by Hans Magnus Enzensberger follows the story of twelve-year-old Robert who dreams about a number devil that introduces him to the wonders of mathematics. Through a series of dreams, Robert learns about various mathematical concepts like prime numbers, square roots, and Fibonacci numbers. uses a fun and engaging approach to make mathematics simple and beautiful, appealing to both children and adults alike. The plot unfolds through dream sequences that showcase the magic and wonder of numbers, making math fun and interesting for readers of all ages.

    and the rest, which cannot. I much prefer the latter. You know why? Because they’re such prima donnas. From the very first they’ve caused mathematicians no end of trouble. Wonderful numbers those! Lik...

Page 1 of 3Next Page