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The Mathematics of Oz: Mental Gymnastics from Beyond the Edge

by Clifford A. Pickover
Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, 2002.
351 pp., illus. Trade, $29.00.
ISBN: 0-521-01678-9.

Reviewed by Dene Grigar
Texas Woman’s University, Dallas, TX
dgrigar@twu.edu

Clifford Pickover’s The Mathematics of Oz: Mental Gymnastics from Beyond the Edge is a collection of 108 puzzles that requires readers to identify patterns and processes, solve mathematical and logic problems, wind themselves in and out of mazes, break codes, and predict sequences and computer source code. That the puzzles are set in a narrative structure and the book utilizes rhetorical strategies found in literary texts to provide context and engage readers sets The Mathematics of Oz apart from other books of its genre.

As the title suggests, the book makes use of Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, borrowing the characters of Dorothy and the Wizard to tell the story of a young Kansas girl who, through a series of rigorous tests administered by a Wizard, gains knowledge and understanding of the world around her. The story is set in motion when Dorothy and Toto veer too close to a monolith and are abducted by a somewhat nefarious Dr. Oz. In Pickover’s conceit this Wizard, though a genius, is not human at all but an alien being with multiple tentacles, a "Trochophore," who as the name suggests, resembles a kind of mollusk larvae. A cocky Dorothy refers to him as a squid. Octavia Butler’s Oankali from her trilogy, Lilith’s Brood, comes to mind in our first encounter with him. By the time we are introduced to his sidekick, Mr. Plex, a robot that looks suspiciously like a "Pac-man," we are prepared for the allusions to fantasy and science fiction literature, film, and popular culture. To be certain, the book is sprinkled with references to Alice in Wonderland, Star Trek, Star Wars, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Charlie’s Angels, to name a few.

Readers afraid Pickover’s puzzles might be lost in narrative will be happy to know that they remain the real focus of this book. Though presented as an ongoing part of the story of Dorothy’s struggle against Dr. Oz and his tests, each stands alone and offers an array of difficulty, from "challenging" to "outrageously difficult"——that is, beyond the reach of human beings to solve. The answers to all can be easily found at the end of the book. A travel guide at the beginning of The Mathematics of Oz classifies the puzzles into categories (i.e. geometry; mazelike problems; sequences, series, sets, and arrangements; physical world; probability and misdirection; and number theory and arithmetic) with the corresponding puzzle number, making it easy for readers to locate the kind of puzzle they wish to solve.

Another aspect of the book that makes it enjoyable to experience is the use of quotations found at the beginning of each chapter. Words of wisdom from Richard Feynmann, Pearl S. Buck, William James and others introduce each puzzle, adding to the conceit that Oz is not simply another place or "dimension," but an embodiment of intelligence, sometimes a bit onerous but certainly never dull or unfairly exacting.

It should be noted that like in many narratives, there is an ending. The Epilogue tells us what happens to Dorothy once she has passed the tests, as well as the fates of Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and Toto. Some readers may be put off by the retro-19th romantic, "happy" ending Pickover leaves us with, but they cannot deny the wit, humor, and intelligent challenges he demands of them. Those who love solving puzzles and mathematical and logic problems will surely appreciate the whimsy and the sport.

 

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Updated 20th February 2003


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