A free black man born in the United States in 1731, Benjamin Banneker went to school for a while but had to quit to help on the farm. In order to continue his studies, he borrowed books from his teacher and from friends and neighbors. Since many people of the day could not read, Banneker’s family and friends sought him out when they needed to read or figure something. Not until Banneker was in his 50s did he gain his interest and accomplishment in astronomy through a family friend, which led Banneker to write and publish six farmer’s almanacs, to work as a surveyor in the capital city, and to communication with Thomas Jefferson, condemning the practice of slavery. Carefully documented although neutral and a bit dry in tone, Litwin’s book captures the life of this self-taught mathematician, worthy of study. ( )