Magical Mathematics

The Ultimate Blend of Magic and Mathematics

Magical Mathematics reveals the secrets of amazing, easy-to-perform card tricks—and the profound mathematical ideas behind them that will astound any audience. Persi Diaconis and Ron Graham provide clear, step-by-step instructions for each trick, explaining setup, performance tips, and how to maximize audience impact.

Each card trick introduces a new mathematical concept. Effects range from the Gilbreath Principle, where cards remain controlled even after shuffling, to connections with the Mandelbrot set, combinatorics, graph theory, number theory, topology, the Riemann hypothesis, and even Fermat’s Last Theorem.

The authors are both mathematicians and professional performers: Persi Diaconis, professor of mathematics and statistics at Stanford University, is also a professional magician; Ron Graham, professor of mathematics and computer science at the University of California, San Diego, is also a professional juggler. Together, they share closely guarded secrets of legendary magicians, the mathematics of juggling, historical gambling tricks like Three-Card Monte, and the history of mathematical magic dating back to the 13th century.

Details:

• Hardcover, 258 pages

• Size: 8.5" x 9.5"

• 133 color photos/illustrations, 14 halftones, 56 line illustrations, 10 tables

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