2009;
199 pp;
Softcover
MSC: Primary 01;
Print ISBN: 978-1-4704-4838-7
Product Code: MBK/116
List Price: $35.00
AMS Member Price: $28.00
MAA Member Price: $31.50
Add to Cart (PRINT)
Supplemental Materials
Mathematicians: An Outer View of the Inner World
Share this pageMariana Cook
Reprinted with corrections by the American Mathematical Society, 2018
Mathematicians is a remarkable
collection of ninety-two photographic portraits, featuring a selection
of the most impressive mathematicians of our time. Acclaimed
photographer Mariana Cook captures the exuberance and passion of
these brilliant thinkers. The superb images are accompanied by
autobiographical texts written by each mathematician. Together, the
photographs and words illuminate a diverse group of men and women
dedicated to the absorbing pursuit of mathematics.
The compelling black-and-white portraits introduce readers to
mathematicians who are both young and old and from notably diverse
backgrounds. They include Fields Medal winners, those at the beginning
of major careers, and those who are long-established celebrities in
the discipline. Their candid personal essays reveal unique and
wide-ranging thoughts, opinions, and humor. The mathematicians discuss
how they became interested in mathematics, why they love the subject,
how they remain motivated in the face of mathematical challenges, and
how their greatest contributions have paved new directions for future
generations. Mathematicians in the book include Jean-Pierre Serre,
Henri Cartan, Karen Uhlenbeck, David Blackwell, Eli Stein, John
Conway, Timothy Gowers, Frances Kirwan, Peter Lax, William Massey,
John Milnor, Cathleen Morawetz, John Nash, Pierre Deligne, and James
Simons.
This book conveys the beauty and joy of mathematics to readers
outside the field as well as those in it. These pictures and their
texts are an inspiration, and a perfect gift for those who love
mathematics as well as for those who think they can't do it!
Readership
Undergraduate and graduate students and researchers interested in biographies of mathematicians.
Reviews & Endorsements
"Mathematicians, An Outer View of the Inner World," is an irresistible book. It consists of ninety-two positively stunning portraits by Mariana Cook (evidently the last pupil (or protégé) of Ansel Adams) accompanied by brief introspective essays by her subjects on the facing pages...The choice of subjects is outstanding; almost everyone in the mathematical world has met or corresponded with at least some of these representative scholars, and many among the latter are household words. So it is that the personal reflections accompanying the marvelous photographic portraits more often than not come across as chats with friends...This is much more than a coffee-table book.
-- Michael Berg, MAA Review