Radio Times

Review by:

Jane Anderson

Fine distinctions exist in the Chinese language when applied to numbers: si tiao, for example, not only means “four” when applied to counting fish, but also to trousers, roads, rivers and other long, flexible things. Si zhi equals four sheep, of course, while a horseman would refer to his si pi.

These are the kind of mind-expanding nuggets that occur in every single sentence of mathematical savant Daniel Tammet’s new book. Each edition is a nourishing feast for the mind — even if you hate maths.

About this programme

By Daniel Tammet, abridged and produced by Kirsteen Cameron. The author celebrates the joy of numbers and the ways they can illuminate everyday life. The first of five essays explores the different ways cultures around the world approach and describe numbers. Read by James Anthony Pearson.

Cast and crew

Cast

Reader

James Anthony Pearson

Crew

Abridged By

Kirsteen Cameron

Producer

Kirsteen Cameron

Writer

Daniel Tammet

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