A Mathematical Gallery

Review by Tom Schulte

Educator and artist Lisl Gaal presents a compendium of color illustrations to elucidate fundamental
concepts in mathematics. Apparently compiled in the late 1970s (Seven Circles Theorem from 1974 by
Evelyn, Money-Coutts, and Tyrrell is “proved recently”), this collection should appeal to the many fans of
the well-known “Proofs Without Words” that have appeared in the MAA's Mathematics Magazine since
the same era: 1975. The art is colorful and whimsical. Merry-go-rounds, fruit stands, dogs, and more
clarify the complex plane, Markov chains, generalized approaches to volume, and concepts up to
calculus basics. Each chapter is an overview illustration supported by a few pages of text and additional
figures. The material is ready for the reader seeking introduction to these ideas without rigor, or as
classroom capsules to enliven presentation to high school and first-year college audiences.
Tom Schulte is relocating to Louisiana where he hopes to continue teaching mathematics as he has done for several
years at community colleges in Michigan.