This is a superb book, beautifully written, deeply considered and much more than a well done list of insightful examples, though there are plenty.  This book develops a perspective on a whole subject.  There are two basic points:<br><br>1.  Math is pleasurable as an activity and as a way of understanding and being in touch with the world.<br><br>2.  It is accessible and not a playground of the .1%er's who have been graced with a certain ability<br><br>The point as the author notes is not to make everybody a mathematician.  But one does not have to be a working professional mathematician to get a profound kick out Barbier's proof of the Buffon Needle result.  It is bracingly imaginative and timeless.<br><br>The author is a natural writer and the narrative is both clear and compelling.