Jerry Lucas

A delightful book that goes beyond the usual arithmetic to trig functions, power functions, and the like.

For example: "You can square any number"

(N 1)^2 = N^2 2N 1
(N-1)^2 = N^2 - 2N 1
(N 2)^2 = N^2 4N 4
(N-2)^2 = N^2 - 4N 4
(A B)(A-B) = A^2 - B^2

Alas, last I knew it was out of print. Therefore, I bought up several used copies while it was still around.

I know nothing about them, but on page 187 the book [b:The Working Memory Advantage: Train Your Brain to Function Stronger, Smarter, Faster|16130370|The Working Memory Advantage Train Your Brain to Function Stronger, Smarter, Faster|Tracy Alloway|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1369085916s/16130370.jpg|21955428] recommends [b:Rapid Math Tricks & Tips: 30 Days to Number Power|2902376|Rapid Math Tricks & Tips 30 Days to Number Power|Edward H. Julius|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348377745s/2902376.jpg|2929515] and [b:Mind Games: Amazing Mental Arithmetic Tricks Made Easy|13184535|Mind Games Amazing Mental Arithmetic Tricks Made Easy|George Lane|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1354207967s/13184535.jpg|18365123].… (more)

Quite good introduction into memory techniques that teaches standard stuff in a very hands-on fashion - a short introduction of theory and then endless supply of examples. While examples are of course important in the introductory book, I've found it really overdone, especially in the second part - instead of more advanced matter the authors just keep listing examples endlessly (and they get quite dull and repetitive). In my opinion the book should have been either much shorter or more versatile and nuanced, for example they didn't even mention Memory Palaces (Method of Loci), which is the cornerstone of all memory techniques.

Probably worth reading, if only for the sheer amount of real life examples, but I suspect that one can find all the information in few articles and forum posts because the book does not really deliver any extra value - narrative, continuity, history etc.… (more)