Around the World in 80 Games: A Mathematician Unlocks the Secrets of the Greatest Games

The book "Around the World in 80 Games" by Marcus du Sautoy explores the mathematics behind games and how they have shaped human psychology and culture. It spans millennia, oceans, continents, countries, and cultures and investigates how games provided the first opportunities for deep mathematical insight.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Brilliantly clear and captivating prose, Stephen Fry's A WATERSTONES BOOK OF YEAR 2023 delves into the intricate mathematics behind the games we cherish and the profound reasons why we find them irresistible. Where should you move first in Connect 4? What is the best property in Monopoly? And how can pi help you win rock paper scissors? Spanning millennia, oceans, continents, countries, and cultures, Around the World in 80 Games joyfully explores the enduring and profound relationship between mathematics and games. Marcus du Sautoy embarks on a captivating journey, uncovering how games provided the earliest avenues for profound mathematical insights into the world, how understanding mathematics enhances our ability to excel in games, and how both mathematics and games are integral to human psychology and culture.

For as long as humanity has existed, games have been a part of our lives, and for nearly as long, we have been delving into and unraveling the mysteries of mathematics. Around the World in 80 Games is a grand adventure that teaches us not only how to win games but also how they, and the mathematics behind them, shape our very identities.

Through this captivating exploration, du Sautoy reveals how games have been the catalyst for mathematical discoveries, providing insights into the laws of probability, geometry, and algebra. He demonstrates how understanding these mathematical principles can improve our gameplay and enhance our strategic thinking. Moreover, he explores how games and mathematics are intertwined in human psychology and culture, shaping our social interactions, decision-making processes, and even our sense of identity.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Around the World in 80 Games is its global perspective. du Sautoy takes us on a journey across continents, exploring the diverse range of games played by different cultures and societies. From the ancient board games of China to the strategic games of India, from the mathematical puzzles of Japan to the competitive games of the United States, each game offers a unique window into the mathematical and cultural traditions of its region.

As we journey through these games, du Sautoy highlights the mathematical principles that underpin them. He explains how games like chess, Go, and poker rely on logical reasoning, probability analysis, and decision-making skills. He also delves into the mathematical concepts behind games like Monopoly, Connect 4, and rock paper scissors, showing how they can be analyzed and modeled using mathematical models and algorithms.

In addition to its educational value, Around the World in 80 Games is a fun and engaging read. du Sautoy's writing style is lively and accessible, making even the most complex mathematical concepts understandable to a wide audience. His anecdotes and personal experiences add depth and relatability to the book, making it a pleasure to read from cover to cover.

Whether you are a seasoned gamer or someone who has always been curious about the mathematical foundations of games, Around the World in 80 Games is a must-read. It offers a wealth of knowledge and insights, inspiring us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of mathematics and games. As du Sautoy concludes, "Games and mathematics are two of the most powerful forces in the world, and together they can unlock our minds, shape our societies, and inspire our imaginations."

In conclusion, Stephen Fry's A WATERSTONES BOOK OF YEAR 2023, Around the World in 80 Games, is a brilliant and captivating exploration of the intricate mathematics behind the games we love. Through the lens of Marcus du Sautoy's engaging narrative, we learn how games have provided the earliest opportunities for profound mathematical insights, how understanding mathematics enhances our ability to excel in games, and how both mathematics and games are integral to human psychology and culture. This book offers a wealth of knowledge and insights, inspiring us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of mathematics and games. As du Sautoy concludes, "Games and mathematics are two of the most powerful forces in the world, and together they can unlock our minds, shape our societies, and inspire our imaginations."

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008525910