Promotional Information

One of the best science books of all time, for people who want ahas in life. Whether you are a student, a researcher, or a curious citizen, try these tools on questions around you, and you will see how so much of the world starts fitting together. -- Tadashi Tokieda, Cambridge University Following his earlier gem, Street-Fighting Mathematics, Sanjoy Mahajan's new book takes a broad approach to estimation in science and engineering, on topics that range from black bodies to blue skies, from quantum mechanics to ocean waves. I have enjoyed using an early version while teaching Widely Applied Physics, and will make it mandatory reading for all my students now that it is out! -- L. Mahadevan, de Valpine Professor of Applied Mathematics, Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Professor of Physics, Harvard University This highly original book is a beautiful introduction to how we should think quantitatively over a range of scientific disciplines. The book combines both depth and simplicity in an unusual way that leaves us better prepared to understand the many wonderful things we see in our everyday lives if we only stop and think about them. I love this book and consider it a prime example of the kinds of books that should be most encouraged: an original and powerful vision that teaches us new ways of thinking about important problems. -- Rob Phillips, Fred and Nancy Morris Professor of Biophysics and Biology, Caltech This accessible and fun book teaches the most important skills that a student of science or engineering can master. -- David MacKay FRS, Regius Professor of Engineering, University of Cambridge; author of Sustainable Energy--Without the Hot Air

About the Author

Sanjoy Mahajan is Associate Professor of Applied Science and Engineering at Olin College of Engineering and Visiting Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. He was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University and a Fellow of Corpus Christi College in the University of Cambridge, where he was a member of the physics faculty. He is the author of Street-Fighting Mathematics- The Art of Educated Guessing and Opportunistic Problem Solving (MIT Press).

Reviews

This book is definitely worth adding to your reading list.—Science

The Art of Insight in Science and Engineering is a wonderful and fun book that fills a gap in existing science curricula.—Physics Today

[A]n inspiring though racy (some might even call it dangerous) book.—Mathematical Association of America

...a glorious range of examples...a very ambitious and very impressive book.—American Journal of Physics