Inspired by the classic Recreations in the Theory of Numbers—The Queen of Mathematics Entertains by Albert H. Beiler, this book brings the excitement of recreational number theory into the 21st century through the lens of computational techniques. While Beiler’s work, originally published in 1964, captivated readers with its breadth and charm, some sections have become dated. Here, we re-examine most of the key topics Beiler covered, while introducing fresh updates and insights rooted in computational number theory.
The authors aim to present efficient computer algorithms to tackle various problems that arise in the theory of numbers, providing a deeper and more modern perspective on these timeless puzzles. Though we cannot rival Beiler’s exuberant prose, we hope our enduring fascination with these topics — cultivated over decades of study and teaching — will shine through and resonate with readers.
The book is structured into 21 chapters, each focusing on different facets of number theory with which the authors have extensive expertise. From ancient problems to contemporary computational challenges, this volume will reignite the joy and wonder found in numbers while incorporating the power of modern computation. Whether you're a seasoned mathematician or a curious learner, this book promises a journey through the rich and playful landscape of number theory, making both historical and new discoveries accessible to all.
Inspired by the classic Recreations in the Theory of Numbers—The Queen of Mathematics Entertains by Albert H. Beiler, this book brings the excitement of recreational number theory into the 21st century through the lens of computational techniques. While Beiler’s work, originally published in 1964, captivated readers with its breadth and charm, some sections have become dated. Here, we re-examine most of the key topics Beiler covered, while introducing fresh updates and insights rooted in computational number theory.
The authors aim to present efficient computer algorithms to tackle various problems that arise in the theory of numbers, providing a deeper and more modern perspective on these timeless puzzles. Though we cannot rival Beiler’s exuberant prose, we hope our enduring fascination with these topics — cultivated over decades of study and teaching — will shine through and resonate with readers.
The book is structured into 21 chapters, each focusing on different facets of number theory with which the authors have extensive expertise. From ancient problems to contemporary computational challenges, this volume will reignite the joy and wonder found in numbers while incorporating the power of modern computation. Whether you're a seasoned mathematician or a curious learner, this book promises a journey through the rich and playful landscape of number theory, making both historical and new discoveries accessible to all.
Eric L. F. Roettger
Integer Powers Fibonacci Numbers Representation of Integers Recreational number theory Sieving Devices
“‘The enchantment of numbers’ is also reminiscent of various books by Paulo Ribenboim on number theory and prime numbers. The main differences are that the present authors do not shy away from sketching a proof, and that their many references are always reliable. The 21 chapters deal with binomial coefficients, Fibonacci and Lucas numbers, public-key cryptography ... . it is probably safe to recommend this book to readers with an undergraduate background in mathematics.” (Franz Lemmermeyer, zbMATH 1577.11002, 2026)
“This book is about the beautiful relationships between whole numbers. … Practice problems, mostly easy calculations, at the end of each chapter test the reader’s understanding of the mathematics. Solutions are provided for some problems in the back of the book. Each chapter concludes with ample references to other books and papers where the reader can find more about the chapter content.” (Samuel S. Wagstaff, Jr, Mathematical Reviews, May, 2026)