There is immense joy and thrill in discovering that one of the world’s greatest mathematicians (and probably many more like him) got interested in mathematics, just as I did as a kid, after reading one of Yakov I. Perelman‘s popular science books. Physics for Entertainment is the book and Grisha Perelman is the mathematician I am referring to!
Yakov I. Perelman’s books on physics, mathematics and astronomy were written in a style that brought out many of the aspects of the aforesaid subjects in the most enjoyable way. He breathed life into every page of his books and made mathematics and physics accessible to any kid in a way that brought sheer joy to the soul! At the same time, his writings provided a glimpse of the amazing way that physics helps us understand and study the nature around us. Physics Can Be Fun, Mathematics Can be Fun and Astronomy for Entertainment are the titles of some of his other books that were immensely popular among young students who read them. The credit for my long-lasting interest/passion in physics and mathematics solely goes to him.
I think all twelve-year olds should be given copies of his books as birthday gifts instead of toys! Surprisingly, there is an online copy of Physics For Entertainment here. I am not sure if any copyright laws will be violated if you download the online version but it seems that the site is a “genuine” one.
Yakov Perelman, sadly, died during the Siege of Leningrad in 1942.
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February 20, 2008 at 6:14 am
Mark Reid
The obvious question is: are the two Perelman’s related?
February 20, 2008 at 6:34 am
Vishal
Mark
This is what the Wikipedia article says:
He is no relation to the Russian mathematician Grigori Perelman, who was born in 1966 to a different Yakov Perelman.
So, amusingly, Grisha’s dad’s first name is also Yakov!
February 26, 2008 at 5:42 am
t8m8r
As a kid I read some of his books too. They are amazing.
April 13, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Three friends and logs of wood! « Vishal Lama’s blog
[...] so it remains active and healthy. Anyway, let me pose a nice puzzle that I first read in a book by Yakov I. Perelman many years ago, and I invite you to post your solutions. In keeping with the spirit of the puzzle, [...]
January 10, 2009 at 12:12 am
Anonymous
Hi Vishal
This book changed my life. I did not like Maths and science and after reading Mathematics can be fun and Physics can be fun, I just did maths in my class 10th. My reading style, career choice changed. I have not loved any book more than Maths can be fun.
I am preparing for a two minute talk on what changed my life for a Dale-Carnegie training I am attending, hit your blog as i was looking for material on Perelman. This is bringing back fond memories of me and my father on the bicycle and buying that book.
Mano
February 22, 2009 at 6:43 am
dharma
Yep, All of Perelman’s books are a gem. Its sad that all of his books are not published. I miss Mir Publishers.
October 2, 2011 at 6:43 am
Vijay
Hi!
Where can I buy a copy of “Mathematics can be fun” by Yakov Perelman? I could get Physics for Entertainment at Amazon.com but “Mathematics…” seems to be out of stock everywhere.
Thanks!
Vijay