Lisl Novak

"Educator and artist Lisl Gaal presents a compendium of color illustrations to elucidate fundamental concepts in mathematics. Apparently compiled in the late 1970s (Seven Circles Theorem from 1974 by Evelyn, Money-Coutts, and Tyrrell is “proved recently”), this collection should appeal to the many fans of the well-known “Proofs Without Words” that have appeared in the MAA's Mathematics Magazine since the same era: 1975..."

[Look for my entire review at MAA Reviews]

This book explores a variety of mathematical ideas through artistic scenes. This book uses color lithographs, playful imagery, and light explanatory. The author uses everyday or imaginative scenes. It introduces: counting, Pythagorean theorem, volume of pyramids, area of a circle, etc. This book would fit into my library because it allows the students to go directly to the topic they need further explanation on. Target audience: ages 13+ with a basic background in algebra and geometry.