High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Mathematical Experience is a 1981 book by Philip J. Davis and Reuben Hersh that discusses the practice of modern mathematics from a historical and philosophical perspective. It won the 1983 National Book Award in the Science categoryIt is frequently cited by mathematicians as a book that was influential in their decision to continue their studies in graduate school and has been hailed as a classic of mathematical literature. The book drew a critical review from Martin Gardner, who disagreed with some of the authors' philosophical opinions, but was well-received otherwise.