Number 9: The Search for the Sigma Code

The least you can say about Number 9 is that it is a remarkable book for many reasons. Not a lot of non-fiction books have the guts to address mathematics in such a personal way. The author Cecil Balmond even creates the character of Enjil to accompany the reader during his search for the truth behind the number 9. The claim of the author that it reads as detective story is certainly true for the first half the book. But be warned, you will not get a definite answer to the questions posed. Although more than once the author claims that the riddles have been solved, she does not seem to be aware that her so called solution is actually a redefinition of the same questions. But then again, you can ask yourself if a real solution would have fitted together with the magical atmosphere nourished by this book.The weakest point, without doubt, is the fact that Cecil completely ignores to place Number 9 in its true context. Never during the whole narrative does she mention that number 9 is only magical in a decimal system. For the same reasons that number 9 is special in a system with ten digits, 15 will be magical in a hexadecimal system. It is clear that this kind of information will diminish the magical power behind number 9, but that cannot be enough reason to just ignore the facts. From an academic point of view such a denial is unforgivable.But maybe this book was never intended to be an academic thesis and must be perceived as a declaration of love to the exciting world of numbers. Cecil has definitely succeeded in putting her passion for the subject on paper. After reading Number 9, even the most ignorant soul will have difficulties in trying to deny that mathematics is truly the science of beauty.

I would just like to respond to Flavio's review. As a physicist, I drew the same kinds of mathematical conclusions he did when he read the book. I do not, however, feel that this is the point. Whether 9 comes out in the decimal system or 7 comes out in the octal system is irrelevant. "No 9" remains a beautifully written piece of literature that expresses author's fascination with numbers and geometry. Sure, you can find rigourous mathematical proofs why '9' must come out. I have worked it out myself, and I don't disagree. However, there are many scientific phenomena (rainbows, fractals etc.) that are no less beautiful despite being taken apart, analysed, and understood.Number 9 is a captivating, well written and beautiful book that was a pleasure to read. The reader is drawn in by the author's fascination with the subject, and kept there by the author's storytelling skill.I recommend it.

It captured the spiritual as well as the mathematical. A wonderful little read - for those who have an interest in what lies beyond numbers. A most unusual, charming book. Would certainly recommend it.

This book is one of the most unusual I've come across in quite some time. Blending elements of number theory, history, philosophy and mysticism, Cecil Balmond creates a book unique in its renaissance approach to life. Certainly, if you're looking for a book on academic number theory (see above review), this isn't the book for you, but if you want an fascinating exploration of the implications of the seemingly mundane existance of number, then by all means buy this book immediately. The passion Mr. Balmond has for his topic is clear on every page, as is his vast learning and quick mind. Written for anyone who was every curious about the nature of things in the world will be enriched by this little book.

This little book is the story of Enjil, a boy on a journey. He takes us on his adventure, not through space but through that which articulates both time and space - mathematics. As the late Professor Brainard pointed out, the problem many have with mathematics is not its difficulty, but its simplicity. It's too simple to grasp, and yet profound in its simplicity! Instead of building wondrous edifices with mathematics, Enjil looks with clear, open eyes behind the foundations of number, the integers - and finds the number nine a wondrous lode. This journey takes him to the ancient world of myths, and to the magic world of Mandalas, Pascal's triangle and the Golden Section. Moreover, the book provides just a few short steps into the extraordinary world that Enjil finds. The author, Cecil Balmond, both explicitly and implicitly leaves much to be uncovered by the reader. For example, he leaves the connection between Pascal's Triangle and the Golden Section - the Fibonacci Series - unstated, but provides the old (Chinese) version of Pascal's triangle, where the Fibonacci Series is much more visible than in the modern format. All one has to do is go down the Chinese (right-angled) triangle at an angle of 45 degrees, and there it is! It is a book to return to, and savour - the sort I wish that I had been given when still a boy: one which presents the world of mathematics as one of delight, rather than the drudge it appears to be when presented by less gifted communicators than Mr Balmond. Buy it for your child, especially if your child is gifted like Enjil, for exactly the same reason as you would have bought the child a train set years before. To play with it yourself!