Drawing on the classic accounts of Archimedes' life and times, Joan Lexau has written a preposterous and irresistibly funny book about the remarkable Greek scientist.

King Hiero had presented Archimedes with a difficult problem, and for days Archimedes had thought of nothing else. Was the regal crown made of pure gold, or had the crown maker cheated the king, stealing some of the precious metal and putting silver in its place?

Young Xanthius' problem was different. It was his job to see that Archimedes remembered to eat and take his daily bath. But how can you get a man to eat or bathe when he is completely lost in thought?

In simple language, with affection and humor, Miss Lexau tells of the famous discovery Archimedes made when he finally took a bath. Here is a book for children to enjoy: a gleeful and perceptive story about one of the greatest mathematicians in history.

From the dust jacket