Sam Loyd's Book of Tangrams (Dover Recreational Math)

The original "Chinese puzzle," the challenge of the tangram lies in your ability to arrange seven geometrical pieces—a square, a rhomboid, and five triangles—into a variety of different shapes. Collected by America's great puzzle expert, here are 700 endlessly absorbing tangrams offering hours of mind-expanding amusement.Sam Loyd's Book of Tangrams is also a tribute to this tricky but intriguing puzzle. In a famous and delightful spoof of the tangram's history, Loyd includes running commentary on the popular puzzle's origins in ancient China, its religious significance, and its relation to the Pythagorean theorem. But don't let the amusing dialogue fool you! The puzzles are genuine challenges. If you've ever tried your hand at tangrams before, you're probably already addicted to their limitless possibilities. If you haven't, this classic puzzle potpourri will have you hooked in no time! Solutions are included.