Don't let the old-fashioned title fool you. This isn't a book about math, at least not in the way you'd expect. It's a portrait of obsession, told through letters.

The Story

Augustus De Morgan was a professor in London. For years, he received pamphlets and letters from amateur thinkers—'paradoxers'—who believed they had solved great scientific or mathematical puzzles everyone else had missed. One wanted to prove the value of pi was exactly 3.125. Another was certain the sun was only a few hundred miles away. Instead of just throwing these away, De Morgan started a collection. This book is that collection, edited with his commentary. There's no single plot, just a parade of passionate, flawed, and sometimes brilliant minds knocking on the door of established science, armed with nothing but unwavering belief.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is De Morgan's voice. He's not a sneering critic. He's a guide, sometimes exasperated but always curious. He treats these 'paradoxers' with a kindness that feels very modern. He pokes fun at their bad logic, but he also admires their dedication and often their cleverness. Reading it, you realize the drive to prove you're right against all odds is a very old human story. It’s also laugh-out-loud funny in parts. The arguments are so earnest and so wildly wrong that you can't help but chuckle. But then De Morgan will point out a kernel of interesting thought, and you see the person behind the paradox.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves weird history, psychology, or just a good story about human nature. It's for people who enjoy shows about quirky collectors or who read the comments section with philosophical detachment. You don't need to know math. You just need an interest in why people believe the things they do. It's a gentle, intelligent, and often hilarious reminder that the line between crank and genius has always been blurry, and that listening—even to people who are wrong—can be its own reward.