The Pleasures of Pi, e

This is a mathematics book written specifically for the enjoyment of non-mathematicians and those who "hated math in school." The book is organized into two sections: (I) Beauty for the Eye (shallow water for the non-swimmer); and (II) A Feast for the Mind (slowly getting deeper for the more adventurous).The author covers beautiful infinite series beginning with those that a young child can understand to one that even Isaac Newton, Gottfried Liebniz and the famous Bernoulli brothers could not sum.

Dr Y E O Adrian graduated from the University of Singapore at the top of his class with first class Honors in Chemistry in 1966, followed by a Master of Science degree in 1968. He received his Master of Arts and his Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Cambridge University in 1970, and did post-doctoral research at Stanford University, California. For his research, he was elected Fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge and appointed Research Associate at Stanford University in 1970. His career spans from fundamental and applied research and development, academia, and top appointments in politics and industry. His public service includes philanthropy and sports administration. Among his numerous awards are the Charles Darwin Memorial Prize, the Republic of Singapore's Distinguished Service Order, the International Olympic Committee Centenary Medal, and the Honorary Fellowship of Christ's College, Cambridge University.

"Written in a warm and graceful style, this unusual book has the feel of a journey through time interspersed with historical references and interesting anecdotes. Using infinite series as a thread, the book reveals the beauty and elegance as well as the intellectual challenges in mathematics. The Pleasures of Pi,e takes its readers through a tantalizing mathematical adventure. This book should appeal to the young from pre-teen to pre-university, in addition to grown-ups with an interest in mathematics."Professor Shih Choon Fong, MS, PhD (Harvard)President, National University of SingaporeForeign Associate, US National Academy of EngineeringForeign Honorary Member, American Academy of Arts and SciencesChevalier, Order of "Legion d' Honneur""Dr Y E O Adrian ... has written an interesting book on infinite series, a subject which has attracted the attention of many mathematicians throughout the ages. He has managed to point out very clearly the key features of each series, which is his major contribution. Anyone who has a serious interest in infinite series will find his book a good reference. Another interesting feature is the numerous quotations by famous writers, philosophers, scientists and mathematicians from Plato to Albert Einstein. They provide a number of refreshing views of mathematics. I find his book really fascinating."Professor Cham Tao Soon, BE, BSc, PhD (Cambridge)University Distinguished Professor(Former President, 1981 - 2002)Nanyang Technological University, Republic of SingaporeFellow, Royal Academy of Engineering, UKMember, Swedish Royal Academy of EngineeringHonorary Fellow, St. Catharine's College, Cambridge"This book nicely complements the standard texts on mathematics, offering a very different perspective from other math books that I have come across. Written like a story book with an easy command of English, Dr Y E O Adrian delivers the content in a clear, lucid and delightful style. This book is as light a reading as a math book can be -- a much appreciated breath of fresh air. Enticing and entertaining, it makes for a good weekend read for both young and old, children and parents, and even grandparents."Professor Li Cheng, BEng, MS, PhD (Tsinghua University)Associate Professor of Mechanical EngineeringOutstanding Educator Award Winner (2000, 2005)National University of Singapore"This is an interesting book on mathematics. The author presents various mathematical series and proofs in an easy to comprehend and fun style ... This is meant to be an entertaining read on a traditionally tedious subject -- mathematics. Anyone who is interested in mathematics and number series would find this book to be informative, enlightening, and entertaining."IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine