The Man Who Counted
- Recommended for 8 years or older
- Printed in the United States
A Collection of Mathematical Adventures
by Malba Tahan; Illustrated by Patricia Reid Baquero; Translated by Leslie Clark and Alastair Reid
Malba Tahan is the creation of a celebrated Brazilian mathematician looking for a way to bring some of the mysteries and pleasures of mathematics to a wider public. The adventures of Beremiz Samir, The Man Who Counted, takes the reader on a journey in which, time and again, Samir summons his extraordinary mathematical powers to settle disputes, give wise advice, overcome dangerous enemies, and win for himself fame, fortune, and rich rewards. We learn of previous mathematicians and come to admire Samir’s wisdom and patience. In the grace of Tahan’s telling, these stories hold unusual delights for the reader.
This is a classic book, originally written in Portuguese in 1938, endeared to many generations, now available in a new English translation.
Recommended for ages as young as 8 years and up, but also many adults enjoy to read. Around 11 or 12 years could be ideal, but it really does suit a range of reading ages.
Softcover, 256 pages.
WW Norton.
Printed in the United States.
About the Author: Júlio César de Mello e Souza, a Brazilian mathematician, published more than one hundred books under the name Malba Tahan. Even after his identity was exposed, he wrote as Tahan until his death in 1974.
Poet and translator Alastair Reid lives in New York City.