Here is the primary source I found of Gardner's review. I suggest anyone interested read it themselves, as the review itself is a well-written reflection on Ga

Here is the primary source I found of Gardner's review. I suggest anyone interested read it themselves, as the review itself is a well-written reflection on Gardner's own mathematical philosophy. http://books.google.com/books?id=oXEaTdstD7gC&pg=PA280&lpg=PA280&dq=%22mathematical+experience%22+martin+gardner&source=bl&ots=BmqmDmfKAE&sig=QaX5uJLTBCZcoirJEVhdI_CUoKk&hl=en&ei=_IUdS9nsENPUngfp9cjYAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CCUQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=%22mathematical%20experience%22%20martin%20gardner&f=false http://books.google.com/books?id=oXEaTdstD7gC&pg=PA280&#... I did not find it scathing, but rather of mixed opinions. He criticizes the sort of mathematical "cultural relativism" that the authors sometimes suggest, but he also praises the book's treatment of specific topics as accessible and inspiring. Thanks for noting this review, because this book is one I like and often recommend to less-technical people, and I had never encountered it before.