MATHEMATICAL FICTION:

a list compiled by Alex Kasman (College of Charleston)

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Brain Wave (1954)
Poul Anderson
(click on names to see more mathematical fiction by the same author)
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This debut novel from SF superstar Anderson explains that the human intelligence is far more powerful than we have thus far seen. In fact, once we escape from the effects of a force field that is limiting our mental abilities, our intelligence takes a "quantum leap". The only mathematical content is a paragraph detailing the thoughts of a student who independently derives the idea of calculus while working on his algebra homework.

Contributed by penny smith

Actually there is more math content here. There is mention of solving systems of nonlinear pde in one's head. There is mention of Maxwell's equations and a book by Coddington.

More information about this work can be found at www.amazon.com.
(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 Brain Wave
According to my `secret formula', the following works of mathematical fiction are similar to this one:
  1. Tau Zero by Poul Anderson
  2. The Rolling Stones by Robert A. Heinlein
  3. Ratner's Star by Don DeLillo
  4. The Fairy Chessmen by Henry Kuttner
  5. Eve Times Four by Poul Anderson
  6. Solar Lottery by Philip K. Dick
  7. Security by Poul Anderson
  8. The Curve of the Snowflake by William Grey Walter
  9. Methuselah's Children by Robert A. Heinlein
  10. Starman Jones by Robert A. Heinlein
Ratings for Brain Wave:
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:
1/5 (2 votes)
..
Literary Quality:
3.5/5 (2 votes)
..

Categories:
GenreScience Fiction,
MotifGenius, Prodigies, Math Education,
TopicAnalysis/Calculus/Differential,
MediumNovels,

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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)