How Many Pikachus Would It Take to Power a Lightbulb?
And Other Adventures at the Frontiers of Fantasy Mathematics

Quotes

"This book is (mathematical) proof that math can, in fact, be fun, because Dr. Tom Crawford makes it so. Whereas most books introduce math so that you can eventually solve real-world problems, Tom's book introduces real-world (well, Super Mario World) problems that you can start solving today. They just so happen to need math, but Tom will teach you all that you need know along the way. Gotta catch ’em all."
—David J. Malan, Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science, Harvard University, and creator of the most popular computer science course in the world, Harvard CS50

"An absolutely splendiferous voyage through our favorite imaginary worlds, powered by some surprisingly sophisticated mathematics. You’ll love it, and you'll learn something. I did."
—Tim Harford, FT columnist and bestselling author of The Data Detective and The Undercover Economist

"For those with a curious mind and a love of fantasy: Tom Crawford's wit and patience will seduce you to discover a surprising variety of fundamental mathematical principles."
—Avi Wigderson, Herbert H. Maass Professor of Mathematics, Institute for Advanced Study, and recipient of the Turing Award and Abel Prize

"A hugely entertaining book that turns some of the most improbable questions posed by fantasy worlds into genuine mathematical adventures. It is as educational as it is playful: I loved it."
—Susie Dent, author of Word Perfect (and presenter of Countdown)

"Tom Crawford is brilliant, and now he offers mathematical answers to the ridiculous questions you never thought to ask."
—Rachel Riley, author of At Sixes and Sevens (and presenter of Countdown)

"Dr Tom Crawford is the math teacher we all wish we’d had. The man who can find an equation lurking inside a Pokédex, a Horcrux or the blast radius of the Death Star . . . This is a brilliant tour through the math hiding in the imaginary worlds we love, proving that numbers can make even the most fantastical stories even more fascinating. I’m already tapping my fingers and waiting for the sequel."
—Bobby Seagull, math teacher and author of The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers

"Bonkers, but in a brilliant way. Tom Crawford has taken the Venn diagram of all the things he’s passionate about, and the intersection is this fun journey through imaginary worlds via his clever mathematical perspective."
—Marcus du Sautoy, Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, University of Oxford, and author of The Music of the Primes

"Have you ever wondered which Quidditch broomstick is the most aerodynamic or what were Frodo’s chances of surviving his journey? In this delightful book, these and other similarly whimsical questions are taken seriously, gently leading the reader to increasingly sophisticated mathematical concepts. If you ever thought that math is dry and incomprehensible, this will make you reconsider!"
—Martin Hairer, Professor of Mathematics, Imperial College London, and recipient of the Fields Medal and the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics

"A mathematical romp through your favorite fantasy worlds. Tom tackles the questions you never knew you needed answering using the math you never realized you needed to know."
—Kit Yates, author of The Math of Life and Death

"I loathe fantasy, and even I can’t help admiring this book."
—David Spiegelhalter, fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge and author of The Art of Statistics