{"product_id":"benjamin-franklins-numbers-an-unsung-mathematical-odyssey","title":"Benjamin Franklins Numbers: An Unsung Mathematical Odyssey","description":"\u003cp\u003eFew American lives have been as celebratedor as closely scrutinizedas that of Benjamin Franklin. Yet until now Franklins biographers have downplayed his interest in mathematics, at best portraying it as the idle musings of a brilliant and everrestless mind. In Benjamin Franklins Numbers, Paul Pasles reveals a side of the iconic statesman, scientist, and writer that few Americans knowhis mathematical side.In fact, Franklin indulged in many areas of mathematics, including number theory, geometry, statistics, and economics. In this generously illustrated book, Pasles gives us the first mathematical biography of Benjamin Franklin. He draws upon previously unknown sources to illustrate Franklins genius for numbers as never before. Magic squares and circles were a lifelong fascination of Franklins. Here, for the first time, Pasles gathers every one of these marvelous creations together in one place. He explains the mathematics behind them and Franklins hugely popular Poor Richards Almanac, which featured such things as population estimates and a host of mathematical digressions. Pasles even includes optional math problems that challenge readers to match wits with the bespectacled Founding Father himself. Written for a general audience, this book assumes no technical skills beyond basic arithmetic.Benjamin Franklins Numbers is a delightful blend of biography, history, and popular mathematics. If you think you already know Franklins story, this entertaining and richly detailed book will make you think again.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Princeton University Press","offers":[{"title":"Pasles, Paul C. \/ hardcover","offer_id":47841957708021,"sku":"DADAX0691129568","price":27.81,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/5804\/8501\/files\/91-G46DM5GL.jpg?v=1773768189","url":"https:\/\/ergodebooks.com\/products\/benjamin-franklins-numbers-an-unsung-mathematical-odyssey","provider":"Ergodebooks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}