"Through an impressive array of evidence and historical accounts, Performing Math convincingly shows that mathematics education has often had a significant theatrical component. Without a doubt this book illuminates mathematics and its place in American culture in new and surprising ways."
~Amir Alexander, author of Proof! How the World Became Geometrical
"Andrew Fiss’s examination of ways in which American textbook authors, teachers, and students have communicated mathematical ideas over the past two centuries gives new meaning to the phrase classroom performance."
~Peggy Aldrich Kidwell, coauthor of Tools of American Mathematics Teaching, 1800–2000
"Performing Math tackles the important topic of mathematics education from a distinctive angle. The author has unearthed fascinating accounts of American students creating performance events out of the seemingly undramatic materials of the mathematics classroom and the mathematics textbook. This book should intrigue anyone with an interest in American history and will be of particular value to historians of mathematics and historians of education."
~David Lindsay Roberts, author of Republic of Numbers: Unexpected Stories of Mathematical Americans through History
"With unusual primary sources from over a dozen educational archives, Performing Math argues for a new, performance-oriented history of American math education. It also analyzes a lot of humor about American mathematics in a fun way."
~Research Magazine
~VQ: Vassar College Alumnae/i Quarterly, Spring 2021
~Library Journal