Theoni Pappas is passionate about mathematics. A native Californian, Pappas received her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966 and her M.A. from Stanford University in 1967. She taught high school and college mathematics for nearly two decades, then turned to writing a remarkable series of innovative books which reflect her commitment to demystifying mathematics and making the subject more approachable. Through her pithy, nonthreatening and easily comprehensible style, she breaks down mathematical prejudices and barriers to help one realize that mathematics is a dynamic world of fascinating ideas that can be easily accessible to the layperson. Her math calendars and over 18 math books appeal to both young and adult audiences alike. Three of her books have been Book-of-the Month Club selections, and her Joy of Mathematics was selected as a Pick of the Theoni Pappas is passionate about mathematics. A native Californian, Pappas received her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966 and her M.A. from Stanford University in 1967. She taught high school and college mathematics for nearly two decades, then turned to writing a remarkable series of innovative books which reflect her commitment to demystifying mathematics and making the subject more approachable. Through her pithy, nonthreatening and easily comprehensible style, she breaks down mathematical prejudices and barriers to help one realize that mathematics is a dynamic world of fascinating ideas that can be easily accessible to the layperson. Her math calendars and over 18 math books appeal to both young and adult audiences alike. Three of her books have been Book-of-the Month Club selections, and her Joy of Mathematics was selected as a Pick of the Paperbacks. Her books have been translated foreign languages which include Japanese, Finnish, French, Slovakian, Czech, Korean, Turkish, Russian, Thai, simplified and traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, Vietnamese, and Spanish. In 2000 Pappas received the University of California Alumni Association's Excellence in Achievement Award for her work on books and other innovative products that deal with mathematics. She currenttly lives in Palo Alto, CA.
Pappas' books have been gold mines of mathematical entertainment for me and everyone I push in the bookstore to buy all of her books...spreading such inspirational and mathematical good cheer. -- Jon Scieszka, author of Math Curse and The Stinky Cheese ManAbout The Mathematics Calendar ...very clever...profound quotations ...interesting mathematical information. -- San Jose Mercury Pappas has a light handed and clever approach to this most complex of subjects...The Mathematics Calendar unfailingly delivers a wealth of challenging puzzles interspersed with clearly illustrated and enlightening essays on mathematical concepts. It's always a bestseller in our shop, and long time aficionados literally bound in the door when the new calendar appears! A delightful and vastly informative start to your day... don't miss it. -- Bell's Books, Faith Bell, owner THE MAGIC OF MATHEMATICS Thought-provoking yet not overwhelming, this book makes the author's pleasure in mathematics evident. -- Library Journal ...witty and intriguing... -- Science News Readers will relish this book. The focus is to explain math in a lively, revealing manner. It succeeds! -- The Bookwatch Pappas writes at a level that puts all her topics within reach of any mathematics teacher and usually within reach of a generalist as well. In spite of this, she does not skim over facts or misrepresent them. If you haven't bought Pappas' first two books, then get them. If you have them, buy this one as well. -- The Mathematics Teacher MATH STUFF Pappas sees mathematics everywhere. Math Stuff is filled with topic...contains many wonderful drawing, photographs, and tables. I have as much fun teaching a lesson that my students enjoy as I have when I see a good movie. If you think like me, buying this book will save you the price of several movies. -- The Mathematics Teacher MATHEMATICAL SCANDALS If you have a kid over, say 16 years who thinks math is boring, this book is the cure. -- Jaron Lanier, Discover Magazine These scandals are not salacious tabloids; rather, they concern incidents and controversies involving personalities from the history of mathematics....The stories are informative, and the writing style is appealing. -- The Mathematics Teacher Pappas' passion for math has produced many previous winning titles: this presents a new vision for exploring math ...Even reluctant math users will find the blend of intrigue and social history involving. -- The Bookwatch Many associate mathematics with cold logic...To dispel the stereotype, the author examines the human sides and foibles of renowned mathematicians. -- Douglas Borton, The Actuarial THE JOY OF MATHEMATICS & MORE JOY OF MATHEMATICS ...Pappas demystifies mathematics in a collection of miniature essays called The Joy of Mathematics. -- The New York Times Approach goes far beyond the usual mechanical presentation, linking math to vital, everyday life and adding cultural and historical influences to connect math concepts to realistic challenges...fun rather than tedious. -- The Bookwatch The Joy of Mathematics presents the world of mathematics to readers in a fresh, original way. For any reader, mathematician or not...easily readable by all...readily usable for enrichment ... highly recommend it. -- The Mathematics Teacher ... designed to help the reader become aware of the inseparable relationship of mathematics and the world by presenting glimpses and images of mathematics in the many facets of our lives. --Science News Rarely does one come across books on mathematics with such breadth, beauty, and insight. Pappas' books always contain fascinating and valuable information--not only for the curious students and laypeople--but also for the seasoned researcher. --Clifford Pickover, author of Computers & The Imagination