Hexaflexagons, Probability Paradoxes, and the Tower of Hanoi: Martin Gardner's First Book of Mathematical Puzzles and Games (The New Martin Gardner Mathematical Library)
"Martin Gardner's fifteen volumes about Mathematical Games are The Canon - timeless classics that are always worth reading and rereading."Don Knuth"Gardner's monthly romp through recreational math and logic ran in Scientific American for 25 years, from the Sputnik splash to the Reagan reign, and nobody has been able to match it since.  "Mathematical Games" was an orgy of right-brain tomfoolery that could be approached for superficial fun or deep insight, or both at the same time...I can't think of a better present for a clever 12-year old, bored undergraduate, restless retiree, or stay-at-home parent fearing intellectual stagnation."David Brooks, The Telegraph"Gardner himself downplays his mathematical ability, arguing that he is "strictly a journalist." Which is about the only piece of unintentional nonsense he has ever written. Gardner will go down in history as one of the most significant mathematicians of all time and the combination of the gems in this collection is an airtight proof of that fact."Charles Aschbacher, Journal of Recreational Mathematics"Gardner was a model teacher of mathematics, pushing others to take interesting side explorations, solve challenging problems, and enjoy the beauty of mathematics. Thus, this reviewer applauds the republication of his genius in "The New Martin Gardner Mathematical Library" series, complete with revised explanations, new insights, up-to-date reference links, and brief surveys of recent discoveries... it is worth getting the new editions and sharing these new gems!"J. Johnson, Choice Magazine"It is hard to exaggerate the importance and influence of these books. These books are fascinating, useful, fun, and historically significant. You must have them! Buy one for yourself, and buy many to give away. Have your students read them. Give a set to your local high school (they'll be published over five years, so it won't even be a financial burden). Time has passed, and a generation that knoweth not Gardner has arisen. Now we can fix that."Fernando Q. Gouvea, MAA Reviews"Many articles may be of interest even to the (mathematically sophisticated) readers of my column since (1) they are so well written, (2) they are classic, and (3) there is often a kernel of knowledge that you didn't quite know."William Gasarch, SIGACT News"While Martin Gardner has always called himself "strictly a journalist," he should really be honored as one of this country's greatest cultural treasures."The Washington Post