Description
This is a one-of-a-kind reference for anyone with a serious interest in mathematics. Edited by Timothy Gowers, a recipient of the Fields Medal, it presents nearly two hundred entries, written especially for this book by some of the world’s leading mathematicians, that introduce basic mathematical tools and vocabulary; trace the development of modern mathematics; explain essential terms and concepts; examine core ideas in major areas of mathematics; describe the achievements of scores of famous mathematicians; explore the impact of mathematics on other disciplines such as biology, finance, and music–and much, much more.
Unparalleled in its depth of coverage, The Princeton Companion to Mathematics surveys the most active and exciting branches of pure mathematics. Accessible in style, this is an indispensable resource for undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics as well as for researchers and scholars seeking to understand areas outside their specialties.
Features nearly 200 entries, organized thematically and written by an international team of distinguished contributors
Presents major ideas and branches of pure mathematics in a clear, accessible style
Defines and explains important mathematical concepts, methods, theorems, and open problems
Introduces the language of mathematics and the goals of mathematical research
Covers number theory, algebra, analysis, geometry, logic, probability, and more
Traces the history and development of modern mathematics
Profiles more than ninety-five mathematicians who influenced those working today
Explores the influence of mathematics on other disciplines
Includes bibliographies, cross-references, and a comprehensive index
This is a very good reference book to have for mathematics. The book is board and covers all
field of math.
This covers A LOT of mathematics. I am reading through it, learning some things I did not learn during my six years studying math (leading to MA).
However, in part one, the editors refer to each tidbit about math as “very important.”
When everything is “very important,” nothing is.
Once you get past part one, it is well-written and informative.
A brief introduction to pure mathematics, an excellent book for those who love mathematics.
This book is fantastic for three things:
– Reviewing areas of math you already know
– Intros to areas of math you want to know more about
– Discovering areas of math you may want to learn more about
Of course the articles are mostly Big Picture overviews, but for the purposes above, that is exactly what is needed. Great book. You’ll find yourself perusing it often.
What a wonderful reference!
L