Book Review: Mazes for Programmers by Jamis Buck

Mazes for Programmers: Code Your Own Twisty Little Passages (2015) - 288 pages. AMZN. by Jamis Buck (Author)

Mazes for Programmers: Code Your Own Twisty Little Passages

The book is a comprehensive guide to generating mazes using a variety of algorithms. It covers both the theory and practice of maze generation, and includes working implementations in the Ruby programming language.

What you can expect in this book: The book is broken into 3 parts:

• Part 1: Basic Maze Generation introduces six different maze generation algorithms, including the Binary Tree algorithm, the Eller's algorithm, and the Hunt and Kill algorithm. It also covers how to draw mazes and how to solve them using Dijkstra's algorithm.

• Part 2: Advanced Maze Generation shows how to constrain mazes to different shapes and outlines, how to cull dead-ends, and how to make mazes weave over and under each other. It also covers how to generate mazes in multiple dimensions and on curved surfaces.

• Part 3: Appendices includes additional information on maze generation, such as a list of maze generation algorithms, a discussion of maze properties, and a collection of maze puzzles.

What this book does best: The book does a good job of explaining the trade-offs between the different maze generation algorithms. This is important information for anyone who wants to choose the right algorithm for a particular application.

Book Review: Chartres Labyrinth Construction Manual

Chartres Labyrinth Construction Manual (2014) - 136 pages. AMZN. by Robert D Ferre (Author)

Chartres Labyrinth Construction Manual

The book is aimed at anyone who is interested in creating their own Chartres labyrinth, whether for personal use or as a public art installation. If you want a more general book, check out this book by the same author !

What you can expect in this book:

• The book begins by providing a brief history of the Chartres labyrinth. The labyrinth is located in the Chartres Cathedral in France, and it is one of the most famous labyrinths in the world. The labyrinth was built in the early 13th century, and it is believed to have been inspired by the labyrinth at Knossos, Crete.

• The book then provides detailed instructions on how to construct the Chartres labyrinth. The instructions include diagrams, photographs, and step-by-step descriptions. The book also covers a variety of materials that can be used to construct the labyrinth, such as stone, wood, sand, and fabric.

• In addition to the construction instructions, the book also includes a discussion of the symbolism of the Chartres labyrinth. The labyrinth is often seen as a symbol of the journey of life, with the center representing the goal or destination. It can also be seen as a symbol of the subconscious mind, with the twists and turns representing the different thoughts and emotions that we experience.

What this book does best: Teaches you how to make a Chartres labyrinth ! You can create your own Chartres labyrinth using a variety of materials, such as stone, wood, sand, or fabric.

Book Review: Classical Labyrinths: Construction Manual

Classical Labyrinths: Construction Manual (2014) - 160 pages. AMZN. by Robert D Ferre (Author)

Classical Labyrinths: Construction Manual

The book is aimed at anyone who is interested in creating their own labyrinth, whether for personal use or as a public art installation. If you are interested in making a Chartres Labyrinth, check out this book by the same author.

What you can expect in this book:

• The book then provides detailed instructions on how to construct each type of classical labyrinth. The instructions include diagrams, photographs, and step-by-step descriptions. The book also covers a variety of materials that can be used to construct labyrinths, such as stone, wood, sand, and fabric.

• In addition to the construction instructions, the book also includes a brief history of labyrinths, a discussion of the symbolism of labyrinths, and a list of resources for further information.

What this book does best: Teaches you how to make physical labyrinths !

Book Review: The Book of Labyrinths and Mazes

The Book of Labyrinths and Mazes (2021) - 96 pages. AMZN. by Silke Vry (Author), Finn Dean (Illustrator)

recommended for Grade Levels 2-5, Ages 7-10 years

The Book of Labyrinths and Mazes

What you can expect in this book:

• The book begins by defining the difference between mazes and labyrinths. Mazes are typically made up of a complex network of paths that can lead to dead ends or the center of the maze. Labyrinths, on the other hand, have a single path that leads to the center and back out again.

• The book then goes on to explore the history of mazes and labyrinths. The earliest known mazes were found in ancient Egypt and Crete. These mazes were often associated with religious rituals and were seen as a way to represent the journey of life.

• In the Middle Ages, mazes and labyrinths became popular as a form of entertainment. They were often found in gardens and courtyards, and people would enjoy walking through them for fun.

• The book also discusses the symbolism of mazes and labyrinths. They are often seen as a symbol of the journey of life, with the center representing the goal or destination. They can also be seen as a symbol of the subconscious mind, with the twists and turns representing the different thoughts and emotions that we experience.

• The book concludes by providing instructions on how to create your own maze or labyrinth. It also includes a number of puzzles and games that you can play with mazes.

What this book does best: Great overview of mazes for young readers that reviews many aspects of mazes and labyrinths.