How Many Pikachus Would It Take to Power a Lightbulb?: And Other Adventures at the Frontiers of Fantasy Mathematics

From Oxford lecturer in mathematics and math YouTuber Tom Crawford, a humorous, rigorous, and surprisingly profound dive into the math of popular culture

How would an actuary price out the risk of Frodo Baggins’s journey to Mount Doom? How many calories must Charizard consume each day to keep his flaming tail alight? And who is richer—Sonic the Hedgehog or Super Mario?

For most of us, such thoughts are passing curiosities as we immerse ourselves in our favorite movie, TV show, or video game. ...