MATHEMATICAL FICTION:

a list compiled by Alex Kasman (College of Charleston)

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Professor and Colonel (1987)
Ruth Berman
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In this unusual story, we get to see another side to Sherlock Holmes' arch enemy, the brilliant but evil mathematician Professor Moriarty. Here, rather than perpetrating a crime, Moriarty is merely visiting with his brother, discussing the significance of his research into asteroid dynamics. (See also Asimov's take on this same subject.)

More information about this work can be found at another page on this Website.
(Note: This is just one work of mathematical fiction from the list. To see the entire list or to see more works of mathematical fiction, return to the Homepage.)

Works Similar to Professor and Colonel
According to my `secret formula', the following works of mathematical fiction are similar to this one:
  1. The Ultimate Crime by Isaac Asimov
  2. Schaurige Mathematik by Alexander Mehlmann
  3. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows by Guy Ritchie (director)
  4. The Incredible Umbrella by Marvin Kaye
  5. The Beekeeper's Apprentice: Or the Segregation of the Queen by Laurie R. King
  6. The Future Engine by Byron Tetrick
  7. The Beekeeper's Apprentice: Or the Segregation of the Queen by Laurie R. King
  8. Conned Again, Watson! Cautionary Tales of Logic, Math and Probability by Colin Bruce
  9. The Three Body Problem by Catherine Shaw
  10. The Fourth Quadrant by Dorothy Lumley
Ratings for Professor and Colonel:
RatingsHave you seen/read this work of mathematical fiction? Then click here to enter your own votes on its mathematical content and literary quality or send me comments to post on this Webpage.
Mathematical Content:
2/5 (1 votes)
..
Literary Quality:
3/5 (1 votes)
..

Categories:
GenreHistorical Fiction, Mystery,
MotifEvil mathematicians, Sherlock Holmes,
TopicAnalysis/Calculus/Differential, Mathematical Physics,
MediumShort Stories,

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Where are the new works of mathematical fiction?: As you can see from this chronological listing, this database includes many works of mathematical fiction for each year from 1990 to 2025. Strangely, only two are listed for 2026, so far. Either less mathematical fiction is being published than in previous years or I'm just having more trouble finding it. If you know of any works of fiction that should be added to this list, especially recently published ones, please let me know. (Keep in mind that I do not include self-published works or children's fiction that just covers elementary mathematical concepts.) Thanks!

(Maintained by Alex Kasman, College of Charleston)