Book excerpt: The book is a collection of original papers, research and surveys, dedicated to the memory of the Romanian mathematician Solomon Marcus (1925-2016). Marcus published many papers and books in mathematical analysis, theoretical computer science, mathematical linguistics, poetics, theory of literature, semiotics, and several other fields less strongly connected to mathematics, like cultural anthropology, biology, history and philosophy of science, education. He exemplified an unimaginable richness of ideas.This volume intends to emphasize the mathematical fields in which Solomon Marcus worked, and demonstrate — as he also did — the interconnection between them. The authors who contribute to this volume are well-known experts in their fields. Most of them knew Solomon Marcus well, some even owed him for his decisive impulses for their careers and general development. With articles in so diverse areas, the volume will attract readers who would like to diversify their own knowledge or find unexpected connections with other topics.