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same author, but along two different approaches. The first one (Visible Perfection : Mathematics and Art) is a book on different aspects of this theme, while the second one (The Horus Eye: Pathways in Mathematical Imagery) is the catalogue of an exhibition , written by several scientists and artists on the same topic, but treated in a more tutorial way, with a wealth of illustrations. The book points to a well-defined end, the relationship between mathematics and art, by considering both general and specific arguments. This theme has been in the heart of the author (a mathematician and educator at Viterbo's University, near Rome) for 10 years or more, and he has previously presented it on several occasions via his films, essays and contributions to meetings. The book contains seven chapters-the first one is of a speculative nature, and the others are each on some relevant aspect of the field (Platonic Solids, fourth dimension, fractals, soap bubbles, Mobius string and Escher artworks). In every chapter, the reader will feel the author's deep desire to communicate his personal experience, that a road joins mathematics and art, and that this road allows a kind of beauty previously conceived by our imaginations only. The author's passion for his subject is always moderated by his scholarship, by the inclusion of quotes of various opinions that may lead to the possibility of objective consensus and by the updated references he offers the reader. The catalogue is valuable both for its essays and for its illustrations. The obscure title points to the fact that ancient Egyptians conceived calculus as joined to the artistic imagination. After a few tutorial remandings of mathematical thought, about 30 contributions by several authors (including the editor) are presented in sections (Labyrinth, Geometry, Topology, Fourth Dimension, Numbers , Minimal Surfaces). It is impossible here to offer an analysis of these contributions. Splendid color reproductions of artworks by contemporary artists, including Fabrizio Clerici and Lucio Saffaro, are worth mentioning. The author's effort will certainly be appreciated by readers who share his motivation. Beauty is not an objective and static value, but something to be reached by living personal experiences . In this case, one must have mathematical experiences, and this is 388 Current Media the privilege of quite a few people. Thus I share what the author himself says: "[T]he very problem is that only research workers in the field of mathematics can feel this kind of emotion, and nobody else." Yet this statement, that mathematicians can experience a sense of aesthetic beauty, is a message that artists, philosophers and art writers must receive and take into proper consideration. MATHEMATICA IN ACTION by Stan Wagon. Freeman, New York, NY, U.S.A., 1991. 419 pp., iIIus. Trade, $39.95. ISBN: 0-7167-2229-1. Reviewed I7y Clifford A. Pukouer, 37 Yorkshire Lane, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, U.S.A. This is an interesting book for students , educators, mathematicians and computer artists who are inspired by mathematics. The book introduces readers to techniques for using Mathematica , a software tool for mathematical computation and exploration. However, even if readers never plan to use Mathernatica, this book is quite interesting. The numerous illustrations of exotic mathematical functions will stimulate programmers and artists to create their own software tools to display the pretty behavior of the functions. These include butterfly curves, pretty roses and intricate three-dimensional (3D) surfaces. Programming hints show readers how to create 3D models, various graphics produced by iteration and animations of mathematical curves. There is also interesting information on number theory and fractals. Stan Wagon, an instructor of mathematics and computer science at Macalester College, is also the author of other fascinating books on unsolved problems in mathematics. MATHEMATICAL IMPRESSIONS by A. T. Fomenko. American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, U.S.A., 1990. 184 pp., iIIus. Trade, $48.50. ISBN: 0-8218-0162-7. Reviewed I7y Robert S. Lansdon, 3830 Annapolis Ct., So. San Francisco, CA 94080, U.S.A. A. T. Fomenko is a remarkable artist and a mathematician of world renown . Mathematical Impressions presents 84 of his paintings and drawings with titles and the artist's comments. Often more than 100 words accompanya piece. The book thus...