Martin Gardner 101

Discover the life and legacy of Martin Gardner, a mathematical whiz who wrote 104 books and inspired countless mathematicians and puzzle enthusiasts, exploring his unique blend of mathematics, magic, and mystery.

Key takeaways
  • Martin Gardner was a mathematical whiz who wrote 104 books, including 40 puzzles and 60 non-fiction.
  • He was a true polymath, publishing 60 books and inspired at least three other mathematicians: Conway, Graham, and Knuth.
  • Martin was shy and didn’t promote himself, but his work had a profound impact on mathematics and magic.
  • He was a founder of the Skeptical Movement and was a close friend of Escher.
  • Martin wrote 104 books, with 60 non-fiction and 40 puzzle books.
  • He was an inspiration to mathematicians such as Conway, Graham, Knuth, and Starbird.
  • Martin’s book “Mathematics, Magic, and Mystery” is a classic and has 26 covers.
  • He loved “The Annotated Alice” and was a fan of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology.
  • Martin’s death was announced by “The New York Times” and “The Wall Street Journal”.
  • He had a prolific career, writing columns and books for “Scientific American” and other publications.
  • Martin’s impact on mathematics and magic is still felt today, inspiring new generations of mathematicians and puzzle enthusiasts.
  • He was known for his humility and never sought to draw attention to himself.
  • Martin’s legacy will live on through his books, puzzles, and the many people he inspired throughout his life.