{"title":"Paul Nahin","description":"\u003cp\u003ePaul Nahin’s works invite readers into the intriguing world of science and mathematics with clarity and wit. His books explore complex topics—from elegant mathematical formulas to the behaviour of molecules and electrons—with an accessible approach that combines rigorous explanation and engaging storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlending education and fascination, his titles are ideal for those curious about the principles underlying physics, engineering, and mathematical puzzles. Whether delving into historical insights or contemporary scientific questions, Paul Nahin offers thoughtful perspectives that enrich understanding in science and technology.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"hot-molecules-cold-electrons-by-paul-nahin-9780691191720","title":"Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn entertaining mathematical exploration of the heat equation and its role in the triumphant development of the trans-Atlantic telegraph cable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHeat, like gravity, shapes nearly every aspect of our world and universe, from how milk dissolves in coffee to how molten planets cool. The heat equation, a cornerstone of modern physics, demystifies such processes, painting a mathematical picture of the way heat diffuses through matter. Presenting the mathematics and history behind the heat equation, \u003ci\u003eHot Molecules, Cold Electrons\u003c\/i\u003e tells the remarkable story of how this foundational idea brought about one of the greatest technological advancements of the modern era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Nahin vividly recounts the heat equation's tremendous influence on society, showing how French mathematical physicist Joseph Fourier discovered, derived, and solved the equation in the early nineteenth century. Nahin then follows Scottish physicist William Thomson, whose further analysis of Fourier's explorations led to the pioneering trans-Atlantic telegraph cable. This feat of engineering reduced the time it took to send a message across the ocean from weeks to minutes. Readers also learn that Thomson used Fourier's solutions to calculate the age of the earth, and, in a bit of colourful lore, that writer Charles Dickens relied on the trans-Atlantic cable to save himself from a career-damaging scandal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book's mathematical and scientific explorations can be easily understood by anyone with a basic knowledge of high school calculus and physics, and MATLAB code is included to aid readers who would like to solve the heat equation themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA testament to the intricate links between mathematics and physics, \u003ci\u003eHot Molecules, Cold Electrons\u003c\/i\u003e offers a fascinating glimpse into the relationship between a formative equation and one of the most important developments in the history of human communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854588661996,"sku":"9780691191720","price":59.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/29ca2ac8aff3f91497d7bc88b5d773ee_014c3eb6-4efe-4b73-a3bc-b9e0d56e0d07.jpg?v=1759268043"},{"product_id":"hot-molecules-cold-electrons-by-paul-nahin-9780691207841","title":"Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn entertaining mathematical exploration of the heat equation and its role in the triumphant development of the trans-Atlantic telegraph cable.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHeat, like gravity, shapes nearly every aspect of our world and universe, from how milk dissolves in coffee to how molten planets cool. The heat equation, a cornerstone of modern physics, demystifies such processes, painting a mathematical picture of the way heat diffuses through matter. Presenting the mathematics and history behind the heat equation, \u003ci\u003eHot Molecules, Cold Electrons\u003c\/i\u003e tells the remarkable story of how this foundational idea brought about one of the greatest technological advancements of the modern era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Nahin vividly recounts the heat equation's tremendous influence on society, showing how French mathematical physicist Joseph Fourier discovered, derived, and solved the equation in the early nineteenth century. Nahin then follows Scottish physicist William Thomson, whose further analysis of Fourier's explorations led to the pioneering trans-Atlantic telegraph cable. This feat of engineering reduced the time it took to send a message across the ocean from weeks to minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders also learn that Thomson used Fourier's solutions to calculate the age of the earth, and, in a bit of colourful lore, that writer Charles Dickens relied on the trans-Atlantic cable to save himself from a career-damaging scandal. The book's mathematical and scientific explorations can be easily understood by anyone with a basic knowledge of high school calculus and physics, and MATLAB code is included to aid readers who would like to solve the heat equation themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA testament to the intricate links between mathematics and physics, \u003ci\u003eHot Molecules, Cold Electrons\u003c\/i\u003e offers a fascinating glimpse into the relationship between a formative equation and one of the most important developments in the history of human communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854588694764,"sku":"9780691207841","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/29ca2ac8aff3f91497d7bc88b5d773ee.jpg?v=1759268038"},{"product_id":"in-praise-of-simple-physics-by-paul-nahin-9780691166933","title":"In Praise of Simple Physics","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhysics can explain many of the things that we commonly encounter. It can tell us why the night is dark, what causes the tides, and even how best to catch a baseball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith \u003cem\u003eIn Praise of Simple Physics\u003c\/em\u003e, popular math and science writer Paul Nahin presents a plethora of situations that explore the science and math behind the wonders of everyday life. Roaming through a diverse range of puzzles, he illustrates how physics shows us ways to wring more energy from renewable sources, to measure the gravity in our car garages, to figure out which of three light switches in the basement controls the light bulb in the attic, and much, much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow fast can you travel from London to Paris? How do scientists calculate the energy of an atomic bomb explosion? How do you kick a football so it stays in the air and goes a long way downfield? Nahin begins with simpler problems and progresses to more challenging questions, and his entertaining, accessible, and scientifically and mathematically informed explanations are all punctuated by his trademark humour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders are presumed to have some background in beginning differential and integral calculus. Whether you simply have a personal interest in physics' influence in the world or you're an engineering and science student who wants to gain more physics know-how, this book has an intriguing scenario for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn Praise of Simple Physics\u003c\/em\u003e proves that if we look carefully at the world around us, physics has answers for the most astonishing day-to-day occurrences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854607405292,"sku":"9780691166933","price":80.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780691166933.jpg?v=1759249052"},{"product_id":"the-mathematical-radio-by-paul-nahin-9780691235318","title":"The Mathematical Radio","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe modern radio is a wonder, and behind that magic is mathematics. In \u003ci\u003eThe Mathematical Radio\u003c\/i\u003e, Paul Nahin explains how radios work, deploying mathematics and historical discussion, accompanied by a steady stream of intriguing puzzles for math buffs to ponder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning with oscillators and circuits, then moving on to AM, FM, and single-sideband radio, Nahin focuses on the elegant mathematics underlying radio technology rather than the engineering. He explores and explains more than a century of key developments, placing them in historical and technological context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNahin, a prolific author of books on math for the general reader, describes in fascinating detail the mathematical underpinnings of a technology we use daily. He explains and solves, for example, Maxwell's equations for the electromagnetic field. Readers need only a familiarity with advanced high school-level math to follow Nahin's mathematical discussions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWriting with the non-engineer in mind, Nahin examines topics including impulses in time and frequency, spectrum shifting at the transmitter, the superheterodyne, the physics of single-sideband radio, and FM sidebands. Chapters end with 'challenge problems' and an appendix offers solutions, partial answers, and hints. Readers will come away with a new appreciation for the beauty of even the most useful mathematics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46855028375788,"sku":"9780691235318","price":49.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/dfdcd98d075d95464580210c57004f55.jpg?v=1759262325"},{"product_id":"will-you-be-alive-10-years-from-now-by-paul-nahin-9780691196367","title":"Will You Be Alive 10 Years from Now?","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA collection of stimulating probability puzzles from bestselling maths writer Paul Nahin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat are the chances of a game-show contestant finding a chicken in a box? Is the Hanukkah dreidel a fair game? Will you be alive ten years from now? These are some of the one-of-a-kind probability puzzles that popular maths writer Paul Nahin offers in this lively and informative book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNahin brings probability to life with colourful historical anecdotes and a unique puzzle-solving approach that illustrates many of the techniques mathematicians use to grapple with probability. He looks at classic puzzles—from Galileo's dice-tossing problem to a disarming dice puzzle that would have astonished even Newton—and presents a dozen challenge problems and twenty-five probability puzzlers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith wit and insight, Nahin demonstrates why seemingly simple probability problems can stump even the experts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46855491748076,"sku":"9780691196367","price":59.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/b1d4338b2321f3bc2ffb73db9d4569ed.jpg?v=1759277889"},{"product_id":"when-least-is-best-by-paul-nahin-9780691218762","title":"When Least Is Best","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA mathematical journey through the most fascinating problems of extremes and how to solve them\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is the best way to photograph a speeding bullet? How can lost hikers find their way out of a forest? Why does light move through glass in the least amount of time possible? \u003ci\u003eWhen Least Is Best\u003c\/i\u003e combines the mathematical history of extrema with contemporary examples to answer these intriguing questions and more. Paul Nahin shows how life often works at the extremes — with values becoming as small (or as large) as possible — and he considers how mathematicians over the centuries, including Descartes, Fermat, and Kepler, have grappled with these problems of minima and maxima.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout, Nahin examines entertaining conundrums, such as how to build the shortest bridge possible between two towns, how to vary speed during a race, and how to make the perfect basketball shot. Moving from medieval writings and modern calculus to the field of optimisation, the engaging and witty explorations of \u003ci\u003eWhen Least Is Best\u003c\/i\u003e will delight math enthusiasts everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46998834807020,"sku":"9780691218762","price":54.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/2174763482434.jpg?v=1763233239"},{"product_id":"how-to-fall-slower-than-gravity-by-paul-nahin-9780691229171","title":"How to Fall Slower Than Gravity","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Nahin is a master at explaining odd phenomena through straightforward mathematics. In this collection of twenty-six intriguing problems, he explores how mathematical physicists think. Always entertaining, the problems range from ancient catapult conundrums to the puzzling physics of a very peculiar material called NASTYGLASS, and from dodging trucks to why raindrops fall slower than the rate of gravity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe questions raised may seem impossible to answer at first and may require an unexpected twist in reasoning, but sometimes their solutions are surprisingly simple. Nahin's goal, however, is always to guide readers—who will need only to have studied advanced high school maths and physics—in expanding their mathematical thinking to make sense of the curiosities of the physical world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe problems are in the first part of the book and the solutions are in the second, so that readers may challenge themselves to solve the questions on their own before looking at the explanations. The problems show how mathematics—including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus—can be united with physical laws to solve both real and theoretical problems. Historical anecdotes woven throughout the book bring alive the circumstances and people involved in some amazing discoveries and achievements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMore than a puzzle book, \u003ci\u003eHow to Fall Slower Than Gravity\u003c\/i\u003e will immerse you in the delights of scientific history while honing your math skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"This book is without a doubt the most enjoyable, stimulating book of mathematical physics (and occasionally more pure branches of maths) puzzles that I have ever read. It's essentially a series of cleverly, and occasionally fiendishly put-together mathematics and physics challenge questions, each of which gets you thinking in a new and fascinating way.\" - Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Reading Nahin is like reading through a select library of ancient Babylonian mathematical clay tablets. Surprises abound... Nahin weaves much colourful history into his narrative.\" - Andrew Simoson, \u003ci\u003eMathematical Intelligencer\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Engaging... The book contains a wealth of original problems... An enjoyable read.\" - Antonn Slavk, \u003ci\u003eZentralblatt MATH\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"This reviewer found himself being drawn to a variety of unfamiliar settings with much interest and even fascination.\" - \u003ci\u003eChoice\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"I certainly enjoyed [the book]!\" - Alan Stevens, \u003ci\u003eMathematics Today\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"The potential audience for this book should be fairly large and go from highly talented high school students up through professionals in any STEM field.\" - Geoffrey Dietz, \u003ci\u003eMAA Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47078788301036,"sku":"9780691229171","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/d418e3e71cfbb47e4a0c7232100c0589.jpg?v=1765236745"},{"product_id":"dr-eulers-fabulous-formula-by-paul-nahin-9780691175911","title":"Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the mid-eighteenth century, Swiss-born mathematician Leonhard Euler developed a formula so innovative and complex that it continues to inspire research, discussion, and even the occasional limerick. \u003cem\u003eDr. Euler's Fabulous Formula\u003c\/em\u003e shares the fascinating story of this groundbreaking formula—long regarded as the gold standard for mathematical beauty—and shows why it still lies at the heart of complex number theory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn some ways a sequel to Nahin's \u003cem\u003eAn Imaginary Tale\u003c\/em\u003e, this book examines the many applications of complex numbers alongside intriguing stories from the history of mathematics. \u003cem\u003eDr. Euler's Fabulous Formula\u003c\/em\u003e is accessible to any reader familiar with calculus and differential equations, and promises to inspire mathematicians for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47558916702444,"sku":"9780691175911","price":64.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780691175911-dr-euler-s-fabulous-formula.jpg?v=1776921587"},{"product_id":"how-to-fall-slower-than-gravity-by-paul-nahin-9780691176918","title":"How to Fall Slower Than Gravity","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Nahin is a master at explaining odd phenomena through straightforward mathematics. 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The problems show how mathematics—including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus—can be united with physical laws to solve both real and theoretical problems. Historical anecdotes woven throughout the book bring alive the circumstances and people involved in some amazing discoveries and achievements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMore than a puzzle book, \u003cem\u003eHow to Fall Slower Than Gravity\u003c\/em\u003e will immerse you in the delights of scientific history while honing your math skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis book is without a doubt the most enjoyable, stimulating book of mathematical physics (and occasionally more pure branches of maths) puzzles that I have ever read. It's essentially a series of cleverly, and occasionally fiendishly put-together mathematics and physics challenge questions, each of which gets you thinking in a new and fascinating way.\u003c\/strong\u003e - Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReading Nahin is like reading through a select library of ancient Babylonian mathematical clay tablets. Surprises abound...Nahin weaves much colorful history into his narrative.\u003c\/strong\u003e - Andrew Simoson, \u003ci\u003eMathematical Intelligencer\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEngaging...The book contains a wealth of original problems...An enjoyable read.\u003c\/strong\u003e - Antonn Slavk, \u003ci\u003eZentralblatt MATH\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis reviewer found himself being drawn to a variety of unfamiliar settings with much interest and even fascination.\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003ci\u003eChoice\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI certainly enjoyed [the book]!\u003c\/strong\u003e - Alan Stevens, \u003ci\u003eMathematics Today\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe potential audience for this book should be fairly large and go from highly talented high school students up through professionals in any STEM field.\u003c\/strong\u003e - Geoffrey Dietz, \u003ci\u003eMAA Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47596611797228,"sku":"9780691176918","price":84.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/ac70bd3e6cb383745eaf9fdd27eab037.jpg?v=1777940825"},{"product_id":"in-pursuit-of-zeta-3-by-paul-nahin-9780691247649","title":"In Pursuit of Zeta-3","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor centuries, mathematicians the world over have tried, and failed, to solve the zeta-3 problem. Math genius Leonhard Euler attempted it in the 1700s and came up short. The straightforward puzzle considers if there exists a simple symbolic formula for the following: 1+(1\/2)^3+(1\/3)^3+(1\/4)^3+... But why is this issue—the sum of the reciprocals of the positive integers cubed—so important? With \u003ci\u003eIn Pursuit of Zeta-3\u003c\/i\u003e, popular math writer Paul Nahin investigates the history and significance of this mathematical conundrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on detailed examples, historical anecdotes, and even occasionally poetry, Nahin sheds light on the richness of the nature of zeta-3. He shows its intimate connections to the Riemann hypothesis, another mathematical mystery that has stumped mathematicians for nearly two centuries. He looks at its links with Euler's achievements and explores the modern research area of Euler sums, where zeta-3 occurs frequently. An exact solution to the zeta-3 question wouldn't simply satisfy pure mathematical interest; it would have critical ramifications for applications in physics and engineering, such as quantum electrodynamics. Challenge problems with detailed solutions and \u003ci\u003eMATLAB\u003c\/i\u003e code are included at the end of each of the book's sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailing the trials and tribulations of mathematicians who have approached one of the field's great unsolved riddles, \u003ci\u003eIn Pursuit of Zeta-3\u003c\/i\u003e will tantalise curious math enthusiasts everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Nahin's style is entertaining, directly addressing his readers... Highly recommended.' — Adhemar Bultheel, \u003ci\u003eMAA Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'This book will be both enjoyable and a rich source of useful as well as intriguing information to a wide range of readers.' — Michael Th. 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