‘Funny, yet with hidden depths – like its author!’ Brian Cox

‘Funny, informative and, even better for dummies like me, all the answers are in the back.’ Will Anderson

‘If you find this book boring, you should be in a clinic.’ John Cleese

‘Every bright young mind in Australia should read Adam Spencer’s Big Book of Numbers – and we oldies would benefit too.’ Peter FitzSimons

‘Even the page numbers will start to look fascinating once you’ve read this book!’ Amanda Keller

From the building blocks of life, to the games we play, the food we eat, and the marvels of space, Australia’s funniest mathematician is back with a fascinating snapshot of the world of numbers.

What’s a ‘firkin’? Is a tardigrade animal, vegetable or mineral? How fast is Usain Bolt … really? And what’s the record for the most lobster rolls eaten in 10 minutes? All these questions and more are answered in Adam Spencer’s World of Numbers.

This is a book for young and old – for anyone who’s ever wondered how things work, who loves puzzles and numbers, or is just plain curious about the amazing world around us.

After his bestselling Big Book of Numbers, Australia’s funniest and most famous mathematician is back by popular demand. Adam Spencer has been entertaining us for almost 20 years on triple j, ABC radio and television.

Adam Barrington Spencer (born 29 January 1969) is an Australian comedian, media personality and former radio presenter. He first came to fame when he won his round of the comedic talent search Raw Comedy in 1996. Soon thereafter, he began working at Triple J, on mid-dawn and drive shifts before hosting the Triple J Breakfast Show with Wil Anderson. He later hosted Breakfast on 702 ABC Sydney.

He is a patron of science-related events and programs, including the University of Sydney's Sleek Geeks Science Prize (category in the Eureka Prize). He collaborated with Karl Kruszelnicki for the long-running Sleek Geek Week tour (as part of National Science Week). He hosts events and panels, writes mathematical recreation books, and performs his own comedy at events around the country.

He is an avid supporter of the Australian rules football team, the Sydney Swans, and was declared their number one ticket holder for the 2016 season.