Learn about the boy who - could read and add numbers when he was three years old, - thwarted his teacher by finding a quick and easy way to sum the numbers 1-100, - attracted the attention of a Duke with his genius, and became the man who... - predicted the reappearance of a lost planet, - discovered basic properties of magnetic forces, - invented a surveying tool used by professionals until the invention of lasers. Based on extensive research of original and secondary sources, this historical narrative will inspire young readers and even curious adults with its touching story of personal achievement.

About the Author
Margaret Tent grew up in western Massachusetts where she graduated from Mt. Holyoke College. She has taught mathematics for several years and enjoys bringing the history of mathematics into her teaching. She currently lives and teaches in Birmingham, Alabama.

Reviews

... a worthwhile book. It is nicely conceived, well researched, and thoughfully written and illustrated. We could use more books of this nature for young readers. I would recommend this book for middle school and secondary school library acquisition.
-Frank J. Swetz, Mathematics Teacher, February 2007

For teachers who value the impact that historical studies in mathematics can have on their students, who incorporate literature into their teaching, or who want to open up a world of mathematics often inaccessible to middle school students, this is an excellent source.
-M. Jayne Fleener, Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, February 2007

This book is a novel about Gauss written so as to be comprehensible to young readers... a historical narrative resulting from extensive research of original and secondary sources.
-Peter Fillmore, CMS Notes, February 2007

exceptionally engaging treatment of Gauss' life and accomplishments spiced up here and there with just the right amount of mathematics; particularly suitable for young readers.
-Philip J. Davis, November 2005

In this book, young readers are transported back two centuries to the candlelit world of Carl Friedrich Gauss. M.B.W. Tent's charming tale follows Gauss from his working-class boyhood to the heights of European mathematics-a Horatio Algebra story if ever there was one.
-William Dunham, November 2005

Book Information
ISBN 9781568814551
Author M. B. W. Tent
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint A K Peters
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 294g