Hi, there was a book that came out a few years ago that was dedicated to the magic square. different routines, methods etc. I don't remember the name of the book or the author. looking for some help. appreciate it.

The author is Jim Solberg. He has published three magic square books. Here's a link:
https://www.stevensmagic.com/shop/easy-m......rg-book/

That's it thx

Magic Squares and Cubes by William Symes Andrews is also pretty good.

Https://www.lybrary.com/melencolia-p-921956.html

Hi,

I am curious if anyone could tell me:

How do these books fare against what’s in Doug Dyment’s Calculated Thoughts?

I will offer some information for the benefit of anyone who is interested in the comparison. This discussion is limited to the methods for constructing four-by-four squares.

All of the 'modern' methods of construction (e.g., Dyment, Solka, Solberg), although different, are similar in their power and versatility. Each of them can begin in any cell, achieve any sum, display 52 patterns that match the same sum, etc. None is particularly hard to learn or remember, but you may find one to feel more natural than the others. Each makes use of a certain logic to describe the structure, and when that logic makes sense to you, everything seems easy. I am partial to my own methods, but I am sure the others are equally fond of their own.

If you just want to learn one method, any of those three will give you all you need. If you want to compare them to see which suits you best, you should get all three of those. In any case, you can ignore the older methods, such as those found in Andrews. Also, you should be aware that the classical method that involves a memorized square and a few adjustments to specific cells is effectively obsolete. The newer methods are superior in several ways.

Thank you so much, Jimso. Exactly what I was looking for —and IMO helpful to anyone owning one book wondering whether to get any of the others…

Magic Square methods and tricks by James Solberg.