SKU: 38592961442

Ancient Puzzles

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Description

Ancient PuzzlesMatch wits with the great minds of the world's greatest civilizations in this fascinating collection of ancient conundrums, brainteasers, and mind benders. What do prehistoric bone markings and modern computer science have in common? What is the mystery of pi that stumped generations of ancient mathematicians? What are the ancient puzzle origins of popular games such as tic tac toe and chess? Can you solve the puzzles posed to emperor Charlemagne by

Match wits with the great minds of the world's greatest civilizations in this fascinating collection of ancient conundrums, brainteasers, and mind-benders.

- What do prehistoric bone markings and modern computer science have in common?
- What is the mystery of pi that stumped generations of ancient mathematicians?
- What are the ancient puzzle origins of popular games such as tic-tac-toe and chess?
- Can you solve the puzzles posed to emperor Charlemagne by Alcuin of York?
- What's the secret lore behind magic squares that captured the imagination of Chinese emperors, Persian mystics, and Benjamin Franklin?

Dominic Olivastro presents a popular history of mathematics by focusing on the puzzles that civilizations posed for their own education and entertainment. Here are classic "puzzle problems" from ancient Africa, Egypt, Persia, China, and Greece and from cultures and texts spanning the Middle Ages and the Renaissance all the way to the present.

Each puzzle is linked with insightful folk and scientific history that helps shed light on the mysterious purpose and origin of the problem. Fascinating clues for figuring out answers draw on modern problem-solving techniques and lead to ancient secrets that, before now, have rarely been understood. Whether you decipher them for their historical significance, classical wisdom, or just for the sheer, maddening fun of it, these delightful puzzles provide a unique, entertaining, and enlightening guide to the evolution of the human mind.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Random House
Published: 11/01/1993
ISBN: 9780553372977
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.22w x 0.72d

Review Citations: Booklist 11/01/1993 pg. 498
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SKU: 38592961442

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Becky
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
True no-show socks that don’t slide down!
Size: Medium, Color: (100) White / White / Mod Gray, Size: Medium, Color: (100) White / White / Mod Gray
This is the first pair of no-show socks I’ve tried that actually don’t slide down into my shoes. Trust me… I have tried lots of different pairs and this is the one! They fit perfectly. They’re not too thick and they’re obviously durable because I wash them after each wear, so daily.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2026
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Raquel Hall
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
Great fit but expensive
Size: Medium, Color: (252) Blush Beige / White / Castlerock
These are really great socks. I love them, but they are definitely pricey.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2026
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LacyConner
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Great socks!
Size: Medium, Color: (252) Blush Beige / White / Castlerock
Love these socks so much I got a second package. I like how thin and airy they are and they never slide down my heel. For thin socks they’re pretty durable.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2025
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Cor vW
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great
Size: Medium, Color: (001) Black / Black / Pitch Gray
The best pair of work / workout / casual socks I've bought in long time! They're no show on all my sneakers, incredibly comfortable and they never move.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2025
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Madison R.
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Best no-show socks ever!
Size: 6-10, Color: Black
If you're tired of wearing socks that slip off and show in your sneakers, then you need to try these amazing socks! They are designed to stay in place, even after being active all day. They are incredibly soft and comfortable, and they are truly no-show, so you won't see them at all. I've been using these socks for years and have never had any issues. In fact, I love them so much that I've bought multiple packs, and my family members have started using them too. Don't waste any more time with those annoying socks that slip off and show - give these a try and you won't be disappointed!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2024

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