Low-Down Triple Dealing. For Richer or Poorer. Poker Powers. More Additional Certainties. Off-Centered COATs. Gilbreath Variations. Word Row. Bligreath and Beyond. Flipping Miracles. Red, Black, Silver, and Gold. Slippery Slopes. Hamming It Down. The Hidden Value of Cards. Coda. Acknowledgements. Bibliography. Index.
Colm Mulcahy is a professor of mathematics at Spelman College. Over the last decade, he has been at the forefront of publishing new "mathemagical" principles and effects for cards, particularly in his long-running bi-monthly Card Colm for the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). He also blogs at the Aperiodical and the Huffington Post. Dr. Mulcahy has been a recipient of the MAA’s Allendoerfer Award for excellence in expository writing. His interests are broad, ranging from algebra and number theory to geometry. He earned a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in mathematical science from University College Dublin and a PhD from Cornell University for research in the algebraic theory of quadratic forms.
"… a very innovative and detailed overview of the mathematical
principles behind card magic tricks. The author begins with simple
card tricks and continues with more complex ones. Each one is
illustrated with pictures and detailed explanations throughout the
book. However, the aim is not to teach the reader how to do the
tricks in front of an audience, but instead to teach the reader why
these tricks work the way they do. The necessary combinatorial and
mathematical notions are explained and proofs or solution to each
presented card trick are always provided. Whenever applicable, the
history of each card trick is presented. In total, 52 card tricks
are featured, including several created by the author. The
presentation of the mathematical background at the beginning of
each trick, which is then translated into a card magic trick, also
demonstrates how new card tricks can be created. This high-quality,
full-color edition concludes with a very useful bibliography and
index."
—Efstratios Rappos, Zentralblatt MATH"[This book] did not
disappoint. … wonderfully organized … Mulcahy has a conversational
tone throughout. However, by no means is there a loss of rigor, as
he proves many of the principles that he uses. In fact, this book
would make an excellent addition to any math club library, and it
would provide a fun way to introduce important mathematical
concepts. … wonderful, entertaining book."
—Math Horizons, November 2014"This book is a well-written window
into the mathematics behind 52 new card tricks as well as an
introduction to performing such tricks. The mathematics is
presented clearly enough for even the novice mathematician to
follow. At the same time, the card tricks are explained thoroughly
enough for even a novice magician to perform. … This book will
bring out the mathemagician in every reader. … a must read for
anyone looking for ways to get students of all ages interested in
mathematics."
—Brittany Shelton, Mathematical Reviews, April 2014"Mathematical
Card Magic is a great reference for aspiring magicians who are
curious about the mathematics behind card tricks. I am not a
magician, nor am I an aspiring magician, but I enjoyed this book
nonetheless. What I liked best was taking a peek behind the scenes
of the card trick setup. … most tricks are a combination of careful
dealing, careful shuffling, an astute memory, distracting the
audience, and mathematics. I liked the way the book is organized.
Every trick is scored on the sophistication of the underlying
mathematics, how entertaining the trick is for the lay audience,
how much setup is required, and how hard the trick is to perform.
The author is clearly a seasoned pro. He is a skilled mathematician
and an expert magician. He also has an easygoing way of explaining
clever card tricks, combined with careful diagrams so that the
reader can master every trick."
—Kara Shane Colley, MAA Reviews, November 2013"Printed on glossy
paper with many colour illustrations, it is not only fun, but also
a pleasure to read. The apprentice magician will have a lot to
practice on but even the professional magician will find many
things to think about while mastering this wonderful calculus of
the card deck."
—A. Bultheel, KU Leuven, The European Mathematical Society,
November 2013"Reading Colm Mulcahy’s book on mathematical card
tricks is a lot of fun. It's clever, instructive, and clear. Learn
some tricks. Learn some math. Impress your friends."
—John Allen Paulos, Mathematician and Author of Innumeracy, A
Mathematician Reads the Newspaper, and other books"Mathematical
Card Magic is filled with many original ideas that will keep
mathematicians and magicians busy for a very long time."
—Arthur Benjamin, Harvey Mudd College, and author of Secrets of
Mental Math: The Mathemagician’s Guide to Lightning Calculation and
Amazing Math Tricks"Colm Mulcahy has produced a stimulating
collection of novel card magic tricks that not only form a
wonderful introduction to important ideas in combinatorics but also
contain some very nifty magic effects as well. By reading this
book, the reader will be well rewarded in both disciplines."
—Ronald Graham, University of California, San Diego, and co-author
of Magical Mathematics"Colm has invented many important and
practical mathematical principles and tailor-made them for card
magic. He’s a skilled teacher and creator, and with his book in
hand you’ll be able to construct lots of new effects. A must for
your magic library."
—Lennart Green, 1991 World Champion in Card Magic, Sweden"This is
an amazing volume! Prof. Mulcahy has left one mystery for his
readers to solve: Is it a really good math book, using card tricks
to explain the math, or is it a really good magic book, using math
to explain the magic? Either way, there’s not a wrong answer to
this question."
—S. Brent Morris, PhD, author of Magic Tricks, Card Shuffling, and
Dynamic Computer Memories"In the early 1900s there began a new
blossoming of mathematical magic, via such brilliant inventors as
Charles T. Jordan, Stewart James, Robert Hummer and Martin Gardner.
You’ll meet the above-mentioned people, plus many other worthwhile
thinkers, in the book that you are about to read. Colm Mulcahy has
joined those ranks. His bi-monthly Card Colm has appeared on the
website of the Mathematical Association of America since 2004 … If
you have been a Card Colm reader, you already know the quality of
his imaginative output. You will find much of the best material
from that column here in this collection, revised and improved. You
will also encounter a wide variety of previously unreleased
material, with some lovely surprises."
—From the Foreword by Max Maven, Magician and Mentalist"… fantastic
[book]! There are so many principles and ideas in it that it is one
of those rare books that I will continually look through, study,
and use as a reference for as long as I do card magic (which means
the rest of my life)."
—Mark Setteducati "In this delightful book, the author of the
bi-monthly online articles Card Colm for the Mathematical
Association of America shows just how magical mathematics can be.
The mathematics ranges from simple to deep and the magical effects
range from subtle to stunning. Most of the mathematical principles
underlying the effects are original, and many are appearing in
print for the first time in this book. I’m looking forward to using
this material to intrigue and inspire young people to learn both
mathematics and magic!"
—Neil Calkin, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Clemson
University"This is an amazing book! Like a magician’s well-stacked
deck of playing cards, the 13 chapters are packed with 52 punchy
effects guaranteed to amaze and amuse. Each chapter deals
generously with mathematicians and professional magicians alike.
Bursting with new effects, the chapters detail the method and
Colm’s favoured presentation—each is ‘pick up and use’ perfect—but
also provide a springboard for readers’ imagination to create their
own presentations. Those with a more mathematical interest won’t be
disappointed either; reading further into each chapter is a
fascinating exploration of the mathematical questions underlying
the effects. This is a magic book that will get you thinking and
entertaining in equal amounts, in essence a perfect shuffle."
—Peter W. McOwan, Vice Principal Public Engagement and External
Partnerships, Queen Mary, University of London "Colm not only
provides lucid exposition of how certain mathematical principles
work, but he also clearly describes subtle performance pieces that
entertainingly illustrate them. Then, to boot, he drills down as to
why they work. In other words, he gives you the ‘body’ of
everything, plus its ‘x-ray.’ Highly recommended."
—Jon Racherbaumer, Preposterist and Author"In his book Mathematical
Card Magic, Colm Mulcahy, PhD '85, shows that performing card
tricks can be as easy as pi. Through visuals, detailed
instructions, and a few math lessons, the Spelman College professor
explains the mathematical basis of various card tricks, teaching
readers to become so-called ‘mathemagicians.’"
—Lyndsay Isaksen, Cornell Alumni Magazine, January/February
2014
"… a very innovative and detailed overview of the mathematical
principles behind card magic tricks. The author begins with simple
card tricks and continues with more complex ones. Each one is
illustrated with pictures and detailed explanations throughout the
book. However, the aim is not to teach the reader how to do the
tricks in front of an audience, but instead to teach the reader why
these tricks work the way they do. The necessary combinatorial and
mathematical notions are explained and proofs or solution to each
presented card trick are always provided. Whenever applicable, the
history of each card trick is presented. In total, 52 card tricks
are featured, including several created by the author. The
presentation of the mathematical background at the beginning of
each trick, which is then translated into a card magic trick, also
demonstrates how new card tricks can be created. This high-quality,
full-color edition concludes with a very useful bibliography and
index."
—Efstratios Rappos, Zentralblatt MATH"[This book] did not
disappoint. … wonderfully organized … Mulcahy has a conversational
tone throughout. However, by no means is there a loss of rigor, as
he proves many of the principles that he uses. In fact, this book
would make an excellent addition to any math club library, and it
would provide a fun way to introduce important mathematical
concepts. … wonderful, entertaining book."
—Math Horizons, November 2014"This book is a well-written window
into the mathematics behind 52 new card tricks as well as an
introduction to performing such tricks. The mathematics is
presented clearly enough for even the novice mathematician to
follow. At the same time, the card tricks are explained thoroughly
enough for even a novice magician to perform. … This book will
bring out the mathemagician in every reader. … a must read for
anyone looking for ways to get students of all ages interested in
mathematics."
—Brittany Shelton, Mathematical Reviews, April 2014"Mathematical
Card Magic is a great reference for aspiring magicians who are
curious about the mathematics behind card tricks. I am not a
magician, nor am I an aspiring magician, but I enjoyed this book
nonetheless. What I liked best was taking a peek behind the scenes
of the card trick setup. … most tricks are a combination of careful
dealing, careful shuffling, an astute memory, distracting the
audience, and mathematics. I liked the way the book is organized.
Every trick is scored on the sophistication of the underlying
mathematics, how entertaining the trick is for the lay audience,
how much setup is required, and how hard the trick is to perform.
The author is clearly a seasoned pro. He is a skilled mathematician
and an expert magician. He also has an easygoing way of explaining
clever card tricks, combined with careful diagrams so that the
reader can master every trick."
—Kara Shane Colley, MAA Reviews, November 2013"Printed on glossy
paper with many colour illustrations, it is not only fun, but also
a pleasure to read. The apprentice magician will have a lot to
practice on but even the professional magician will find many
things to think about while mastering this wonderful calculus of
the card deck."
—A. Bultheel, KU Leuven, The European Mathematical Society,
November 2013"Reading Colm Mulcahy’s book on mathematical card
tricks is a lot of fun. It's clever, instructive, and clear. Learn
some tricks. Learn some math. Impress your friends."
—John Allen Paulos, Mathematician and Author of Innumeracy, A
Mathematician Reads the Newspaper, and other books"Mathematical
Card Magic is filled with many original ideas that will keep
mathematicians and magicians busy for a very long time."
—Arthur Benjamin, Harvey Mudd College, and author of Secrets of
Mental Math: The Mathemagician’s Guide to Lightning Calculation and
Amazing Math Tricks"Colm Mulcahy has produced a stimulating
collection of novel card magic tricks that not only form a
wonderful introduction to important ideas in combinatorics but also
contain some very nifty magic effects as well. By reading this
book, the reader will be well rewarded in both disciplines."
—Ronald Graham, University of California, San Diego, and co-author
of Magical Mathematics"Colm has invented many important and
practical mathematical principles and tailor-made them for card
magic. He’s a skilled teacher and creator, and with his book in
hand you’ll be able to construct lots of new effects. A must for
your magic library."
—Lennart Green, 1991 World Champion in Card Magic, Sweden"This is
an amazing volume! Prof. Mulcahy has left one mystery for his
readers to solve: Is it a really good math book, using card tricks
to explain the math, or is it a really good magic book, using math
to explain the magic? Either way, there’s not a wrong answer to
this question."
—S. Brent Morris, PhD, author of Magic Tricks, Card Shuffling, and
Dynamic Computer Memories"In the early 1900s there began a new
blossoming of mathematical magic, via such brilliant inventors as
Charles T. Jordan, Stewart James, Robert Hummer and Martin Gardner.
You’ll meet the above-mentioned people, plus many other worthwhile
thinkers, in the book that you are about to read. Colm Mulcahy has
joined those ranks. His bi-monthly Card Colm has appeared on the
website of the Mathematical Association of America since 2004 … If
you have been a Card Colm reader, you already know the quality of
his imaginative output. You will find much of the best material
from that column here in this collection, revised and improved. You
will also encounter a wide variety of previously unreleased
material, with some lovely surprises."
—From the Foreword by Max Maven, Magician and Mentalist"… fantastic
[book]! There are so many principles and ideas in it that it is one
of those rare books that I will continually look through, study,
and use as a reference for as long as I do card magic (which means
the rest of my life)."
—Mark Setteducati "In this delightful book, the author of the
bi-monthly online articles Card Colm for the Mathematical
Association of America shows just how magical mathematics can be.
The mathematics ranges from simple to deep and the magical effects
range from subtle to stunning. Most of the mathematical principles
underlying the effects are original, and many are appearing in
print for the first time in this book. I’m looking forward to using
this material to intrigue and inspire young people to learn both
mathematics and magic!"
—Neil Calkin, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Clemson
University"This is an amazing book! Like a magician’s well-stacked
deck of playing cards, the 13 chapters are packed with 52 punchy
effects guaranteed to amaze and amuse. Each chapter deals
generously with mathematicians and professional magicians alike.
Bursting with new effects, the chapters detail the method and
Colm’s favoured presentation—each is ‘pick up and use’ perfect—but
also provide a springboard for readers’ imagination to create their
own presentations. Those with a more mathematical interest won’t be
disappointed either; reading further into each chapter is a
fascinating exploration of the mathematical questions underlying
the effects. This is a magic book that will get you thinking and
entertaining in equal amounts, in essence a perfect shuffle."
—Peter W. McOwan, Vice Principal Public Engagement and External
Partnerships, Queen Mary, University of London"Colm not only
provides lucid exposition of how certain mathematical principles
work, but he also clearly describes subtle performance pieces that
entertainingly illustrate them. Then, to boot, he drills down as to
why they work. In other words, he gives you the ‘body’ of
everything, plus its ‘x-ray.’ Highly recommended."
—Jon Racherbaumer, Preposterist and Author"In his book Mathematical
Card Magic, Colm Mulcahy, PhD '85, shows that performing card
tricks can be as easy as pi. Through visuals, detailed
instructions, and a few math lessons, the Spelman College professor
explains the mathematical basis of various card tricks, teaching
readers to become so-called ‘mathemagicians.’"
—Lyndsay Isaksen, Cornell Alumni Magazine, January/February 2014
Ask a Question About this Product More... |