Malba Tahan is the pen name of a famous Brazilian mathematician and author, Julio Cesar de Mello e Souza, who served as a professor at the School of Fine Arts and the School of Architecture at the University of Rio de Janeiro.

The book is an enjoyable collection of mathematical riddles, presented through a narrative reminiscent of "One Thousand and One Nights." The "Man Who Counted," the hero of the book, takes the reader on a journey to the exotic Arab world of 1300, where, with his exceptional mathematical abilities, he resolves disputes, offers wise advice, confronts and defeats dangerous enemies, gains fame and wealth, and ultimately is rewarded romantically when he succeeds in marrying the love of his life.

As we follow our hero, we learn about the stories of earlier mathematicians, witness the mental trials imposed on him by contemporary wise men through mathematical riddles, and admire his knowledge and judgment, which earn him the respect and affection of all.

At the end of the Greek edition, comments and explanations related to the mathematical content of the book are provided.