Books
The Book of Zero Knowledge
Follow the journey of the ever-curious twins Sola and Luna as they accompany their all-knowing mentor and ancient adventurer Lucius on his journey to discover the paradise on the other side of the world, where they will learn the secret named all that there is to know.
This whimsical mathematical fantasy story is a first in the history of mathematics fiction. It attempts to showcase the joy of solving challenging mathematical puzzles embedded within the narrative of a medieval fantasy epic that tries to answer the titular question:
“What is all that there is to know?”
The book follows a unique dialogue and discovery-based approach to learning that transforms our twin protagonists from unknowing novice learners to capable problem-solvers, all while assuming zero knowledge of mathematics and logic from the reader.
Price: INR ₹ 729/- in India. (Outside SAARC countries: GBP £ 21/-)
“This is a remarkable and wonderful book! Anant Mudgal has succeeded in writing a book that actually explains mathematics. Everything is motivated and clearly explained in language that the reader (of whatever age) will understand. The whole book is a delight. The actual choice of content is also masterful and to put it simply, fun. I would recommend it to any student or any teacher at any level.”
Review by Imre Leader, Professor of Pure Mathematics, University of Cambridge.
“The book is also an initiation to the art of logical thought, and the process of developing a taste and liking for mathematical pursuit. The readers will find sparks of mature wisdom and also a childlike enthusiasm for discovery. I expect that it will inspire a special class of young minds, minds which seek to pursue learning and solving for the sake of the pursuit alone.”
Review by Vikraman Balaji, Distinguished Professor at Chennai Mathematical Institute
“A novel attempt by Anant Mudgal in introducing some deep ideas of basic mathematics to inquisitive minds. Indeed, he elucidates them in the form of a conversation between twins Sola and Luna, who unfold the mystery of the world of mathematics, assisted by wise Lucius in their quest. The setting for the whole exploration is medieval towns through which the twins and the mage travel in the hope of expanding their horizons in the world of knowledge. They meet different people in their journey who challenge them with puzzles of a mathematical flavour.
You feel as if you are sailing through these mystical towns yourself. I expect many more such wonderful and enthralling mathematical stories will come out of Anant’s creative mind in the coming years.”
Review by BJ Venkatachala, Retired Professor, HBCSE and Former Leader of the Indian IMO Team
“The book is indeed a novel! I found the early parts with the appearance of the Mage and the kids growing up with a granny figure very reminiscent of the first Harry Potter book. And with Lucius, you’ve turned a negative character from HP into a Dumbledore-like figure!
As for Luna and Sola discovering their way through the many puzzles, it felt like I was reading Surreal Numbers (D. Knuth) again. The choices of the puzzles and problems are quite interesting — you have given a great menu of wonderful puzzles, and your talking through their solutions was top notch presentation.
But let me say something about the ending; I thought the ending was outstanding. Allow me to take a wild guess here; this book is all too clearly your journey; you are Sola; you are Luna. But even more interesting to me: You are also Lucius. […] His choice [at the end] was a much greater – for want of a better word – sacrifice. But perhaps, I should not call it a sacrifice at all; he is embarking upon a new journey […]. There is something else to explore.
Haven’t you done something similar?
You have chosen to give up what you had – possibly on a silver platter – to start Mathelots. So, in that sense, this book is autobiographical. This book is not merely a good book about learning how to learn, but it is also about seeing something bigger than your current station. In that sense, this book is unique.”
Review by Niranjan Balachandran, Professor of Mathematics, IIT Bombay (with story spoilers redacted)