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Description
Ancient PuzzlesMatch wits with the great minds of the world's greatest civilizations in this fascinating collection of ancient conundrums, brainteasers, and mind benders. What do prehistoric bone markings and modern computer science have in common? What is the mystery of pi that stumped generations of ancient mathematicians? What are the ancient puzzle origins of popular games such as tic tac toe and chess? Can you solve the puzzles posed to emperor Charlemagne by
Match wits with the great minds of the world's greatest civilizations in this fascinating collection of ancient conundrums, brainteasers, and mind-benders. - What do prehistoric bone markings and modern computer science have in common?- What is the mystery of pi that stumped generations of ancient mathematicians?
- What are the ancient puzzle origins of popular games such as tic-tac-toe and chess?
- Can you solve the puzzles posed to emperor Charlemagne by Alcuin of York?
- What's the secret lore behind magic squares that captured the imagination of Chinese emperors, Persian mystics, and Benjamin Franklin? Dominic Olivastro presents a popular history of mathematics by focusing on the puzzles that civilizations posed for their own education and entertainment. Here are classic "puzzle problems" from ancient Africa, Egypt, Persia, China, and Greece and from cultures and texts spanning the Middle Ages and the Renaissance all the way to the present. Each puzzle is linked with insightful folk and scientific history that helps shed light on the mysterious purpose and origin of the problem. Fascinating clues for figuring out answers draw on modern problem-solving techniques and lead to ancient secrets that, before now, have rarely been understood. Whether you decipher them for their historical significance, classical wisdom, or just for the sheer, maddening fun of it, these delightful puzzles provide a unique, entertaining, and enlightening guide to the evolution of the human mind.
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Random House
Published: 11/01/1993
ISBN: 9780553372977
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.22w x 0.72d
Review Citations: Booklist 11/01/1993 pg. 498
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5
As described
Color: White, Size: 6 Panel
Works great in my clinic
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026
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5
Great Product that does exactly what it says it will.
Color: Beige, Size: 34"- 3 Panel
I really enjoy this product and it does exactly what it describes. I use it on my balcony. It is effective, but still very lightweight. It is easy to assemble as well. The price point is excellent. Also, I had an interaction with the company about an issue and they were incredibly responsive and helpful, fixing the issue immediately. Highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2026
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5
Great WFH screen for video calls
Color: Black, Size: 22"- 4 Panel
I share a workspace with my hubs since we both work from home. I have the attention span of a πΏοΈ and need this so I can focus on my work and not get distracted by him, since he is very amusing to watch. This screen is very lightweight and the panels can move and create a little cubicle around your workspace. I personally loved cubicles & despise open space seating, even at home. The ADHDer in my loves being able to block things away from my field of vision.
These panels also hide any mess behind you, especially if you forget to blur the background on Teams or Zoom calls or if you donβt have the option to change your backgrounds.
This was fairly easy to put together and very easy to move and adjust. The screen is a much better option than a sheet as Iβve seen others use on calls.π€¦π»ββοΈπ Iβm not sure how it will stand up around rambunctious pets or kids, but fairly certain it takes quite a push to knock it over. We have four cats & Iβm pretty sure someone would try to climb this, which is why theyβre not allowed in our workspace.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2025
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4
Difficult to assemble, but a good basic divider
Color: Beige, Size: 22"- 4 Panel
I bought this to use as a background for when I have video calls. I wish I'd ordered the 6- or even 8-panel to block a little more, but that's my own error. It still covers a good portion of the room, so I'll make do, or maybe buy another at a later date to expand it.
It looks ok, if a little plain. The fabric panels have creases in them from being folded and will need to be steamed or ironed out for a nicer look. It would be easy to make your own panels as well, if you're so inclined.
The construction is decent. The frame is lightweight and if you don't angle the base supports the right way it may tip over if you extend it too far. The fabric panels aren't the highest quality, but are sturdy enough. They seem like they would handle being thrown in the wash well.
The only issue I have with it is that it was so difficult to put together. The push latches that connect the poles don't push it well and hurt my hands. The fabric panels are sized to be extremely taut, which makes it very difficult to get them on the bars without forcing the bar to bend slightly.
Overall, this is a good divider if you're looking for something simple and functional without being too worried about aesthetic. It's also a good, inexpensive base if you want to make your own custom panels.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2025
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5
Great Room divider
Color: Beige, Size: 34"- 3 Panel
Works well in separating my kids play area from my computer/office room. Easy to put together, height is perfect somewhat sturdy, looks great, light weight, not good if you are using it as a door, but if it is to stay in place than it is stable enough.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2025