John Horton Conway Knihy

Kniha ukazuje jakým směrem se ubírat, kam napřímit své myšlení a jak hledat nové pohledy při řešení matematických problémů. Autor provází čtenáře úskalími mentálních a logických kroků, které je třeba při tom podniknout. Na praktických příkladech, často i nematematické povahy, vysvětluje problematiku převádění omezujících podmínek na jednotlivé kroky řešení. Polya v jasném a poutavém textu opravdu brilantním způsobem odhaluje podstatné a jde přímo k jádru problému. Publikace není určena jen učitelům matematiky, ale své si v ní najdou i například žáci středních škol. Učí jak překonávat těžkosti a překážky při cestě k cíli, který není v danou chvíli zřejmý a lehce dosažitelný.

Start with a single shape. Repeat it in some way―translation, reflection over a line, rotation around a point―and you have created symmetry. Symmetry is a fundamental phenomenon in art, science, and nature that has been captured, described, and analyzed using mathematical concepts for a long time. Inspired by the geometric intuition of Bill Thurston and empowered by his own analytical skills, John Conway, with his coauthors, has developed a comprehensive mathematical theory of symmetry that allows the description and classification of symmetries in numerous geometric environments. This richly and compellingly illustrated book addresses the phenomenological, analytical, and mathematical aspects of symmetry on three levels that build on one another and will speak to interested lay people, artists, working mathematicians, and researchers.

The book explores the rich history of Sullivan County, New York, from its Indigenous roots with the Lenape Indians to European colonization in the seventeenth century. It highlights significant economic developments, including timber rafting and a booming tanning industry that aided the Union army. Additionally, it covers the area's transformation during the Silver and Golden Ages of tourism, showcasing its natural beauty. Local historian John Conway presents a visual journey through this celebrated region, offering insights into its prosperous past.

The third edition of this definitive and popular book continues to pursue the question: what is the most efficient way to pack a large number of equal spheres in n-dimensional Euclidean space? The authors also examine such related issues as the kissing number problem, the covering problem, the quantizing problem, and the classification of lattices and quadratic forms. There is also a description of the applications of these questions to other areas of mathematics and science such as number theory, coding theory, group theory, analogue-to-digital conversion and data compression, n-dimensional crystallography, dual theory and superstring theory in physics. New and of special interest is a report on some recent developments in the field, and an updated and enlarged supplementary bibliography with over 800 items.

The book features a collection of engaging articles that highlight notable figures from the past, including the spirited diner cook George Suslosky and the infamous Lizzie Brown Halliday. Each historical vignette offers a glimpse into the unique customs and intriguing stories of the Sullivan County Catskills, blending entertainment with education. Conway's insightful writing brings these characters and their contexts to life, making history both accessible and fascinating.

The Book of Numbers lets readers of all levels of mathematical sophistication (or lack thereof) understand the origins, patterns, and interrelationships of different numbers. Whether it is a visualization of the Catalan numbers or an explanation of how the Fibonacci numbers occur in nature, there is something in here to delight everyone. The diagrams and pictures, many of which are in color, make this book particularly appealing and fun. A few of the discussions may be confusing to those who are not adept mathematicians; those who are may be irked that certain facts are mentioned without an accompanying proof. Nonetheless, The Book of Numbers will succeed in infecting any reader with an enthusiasm for numbers.

A photographer on the move, John Conway is trying to capture Saskatchewan. He is stealthy, catching landscapes off-guard, and in the process recording astonishing scenes, striking paradoxes, and disquieting reminders that are often overlooked. Saskatchewan: Uncommon Views rejoices in a landscape known only to insiders as Conway celebrates his province with affection and a keen eye for unusual detail. With essays by Sharon Butala, David Carpenter, and Helen Marzolf, this blending of text and image will both surprise and invite wonder.

This classic on games and how to play them intelligently is being re-issued in a new, four volume edition. This book has laid the foundation to a mathematical approach to playing games. The wise authors wield witty words, which wangle wonderfully winning ways. In Volume 1, the authors do the Spade Work, presenting theories and techniques to "dissect" games of varied structures and formats in order to develop winning strategies.