SKU: 8803066326

Four Colors Suffice: How the Map Problem Was Solved - Revised Color Edition

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Four Colors Suffice: How the Map Problem Was Solved - Revised Color EditionOn October 23, 1852, Professor Augustus De Morgan wrote a letter to a colleague, unaware that he was launching one of the most famous mathematical conundrums in history one that would confound thousands of puzzlers for more than a century. This is the amazing story of how the map problem was solved. The problem posed in the letter came from a former student: What is the least possible number of colors needed to fill in any map (real or invented) so

On October 23, 1852, Professor Augustus De Morgan wrote a letter to a colleague, unaware that he was launching one of the most famous mathematical conundrums in history--one that would confound thousands of puzzlers for more than a century. This is the amazing story of how the map problem was solved.

The problem posed in the letter came from a former student: What is the least possible number of colors needed to fill in any map (real or invented) so that neighboring counties are always colored differently? This deceptively simple question was of minimal interest to cartographers, who saw little need to limit how many colors they used. But the problem set off a frenzy among professional mathematicians and amateur problem solvers, among them Lewis Carroll, an astronomer, a botanist, an obsessive golfer, the Bishop of London, a man who set his watch only once a year, a California traffic cop, and a bridegroom who spent his honeymoon coloring maps. In their pursuit of the solution, mathematicians painted maps on doughnuts and horseshoes and played with patterned soccer balls and the great rhombicuboctahedron.

It would be more than one hundred years (and countless colored maps) later before the result was finally established. Even then, difficult questions remained, and the intricate solution--which involved no fewer than 1,200 hours of computer time--was greeted with as much dismay as enthusiasm.

Providing a clear and elegant explanation of the problem and the proof, Robin Wilson tells how a seemingly innocuous question baffled great minds and stimulated exciting mathematics with far-flung applications. This is the entertaining story of those who failed to prove, and those who ultimately did prove, that four colors do indeed suffice to color any map.

This new edition features many color illustrations. It also includes a new foreword by Ian Stewart on the importance of the map problem and how it was solved.-- "Booklist"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 11/10/2013
ISBN: 9780691158228
Pages: 224
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 9.33h x 6.13w x 0.47d
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SKU: 8803066326

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KenH
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Surprisingly Durable
Color: Green
Our dog is an aggressive chewer. She has destroyed other toys meant for "aggressive chewers" in less that 6 hours. This toy has lasted 17 days and it's still going. It does have areas were the seam has given way and a very small amount of stuffing has come out. She has "killed" the squeaker. But the toy is still usable. We just played Tug of War this morning. It will not last forever. It is showing it's "age". But the durability is there. I am ordering more.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2026
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Matt
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 4
Okay for the money
Color: Green
Kind of durable. My dog loved it tho. Lots of tugs. But also lot of stuffing everywhere
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
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Barbara Herges
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 3
Durability and lasting period of toy.
Color: Green
I got this toy for our bulldog. He had a hole in it, which will only progress, within minutes. I took it away until I could find out if there is any kind of warranty. The information says this toy is not for aggressive chewers, yet right in the description and the photo of the toy (that way I knew I was looking at the correct toy), it says for the "aggressive chewer". I am disappointed that even though it isn't how they described, it only lasted minutes before there was damage. Not sure if I would buy another product.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2025
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LaJune
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent toy for active dogs! Five ⭐️
Color: Green
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent Toy for Active Dogs! This is my second time purchasing this toy, and it absolutely deserves five stars. My youngest dog, Captain, is a very active 3-year-old with more energy than I can keep up with. He loves being able to sink his teeth into this squeaky toy, and it helps keep him mentally stimulated and entertained. What I love most is that he also shares it with his older brother, Kane. They use it for tug-of-war, which helps burn off some of Captain’s endless energy and keeps both dogs engaged. It does a great job reducing boredom, especially for highly active dogs. The first one lasted several months before needing replacement, which is impressive considering how much it was used. If you have energetic dogs that need something durable and fun, I highly recommend this toy!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026
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Amanda
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect Pup Pal
Color: Green
I purchased this dog toy as a birthday gift for a friend's dog, and it exceeded all expectations. Knowing she is particular about toys and easily frightened by many, I spent quite some time choosing the perfect one. From the moment she took it out of the box, she adored it. Everyone at her birthday party was amazed. Watching her happily play with her new toy, which we've come to call Allie, is truly heartwarming. The quality is outstanding. It is well made, safe, and nearly indestructible, yet gentle enough on her mouth. I will definitely be buying more from this store.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026

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