I bought this book when I was about to start an adult-learners' maths course, the idea being to get into a mathematical mindset, to brush up on some basics and to learn a little not-so-basic. Mr Potter's book delivered the goods for me in an easy-going and engaging style.

I'd recommend this book for anybody wanting to learn about and have fun with maths. ( )

I would have liked more advanced stuff; but as I bought it primarily to make sure my children weren't having any problems of their own I shouldn't complain. The probability section is simple and easy to understand and the modern way of doing long multiplication which fooled my children at school is explained.

There is a longish appendix on how to do Sudoku, which appears out of place in a mathematics book, however it does its job of allaying any fear a reader might still have for maths.

OK its my own fault - should have done more of that judging a book by it cover thing.

Well written in a quirky kind of way. This book uses a metaphor of the universal high school maths class complete with smart alec, boy at the back struggling to keep up and socially inadequate teacher to walk us through the typical high school maths syllabus froma round the world.

This time around the author stops to explain the why's and wherefores behind each mini topic with historical perspective and chat through exams to help us along.

I was expecting more advanced stuff - and should ahve read the back cover or should even have checked the contents page for myself - silly me.

If the content described is what you are after then this is a decent book.

My rating as always is purely personal.

2 out of 5 ( )