Fermat's Last Theorem
by Simon Singh
- First published 1997
- 351 pages
- English
In the 17th century, Pierre de Fermat scribbled a seemingly simple mathematical conjecture in the margin of a book, claiming he had a marvelous proof that the space was too narrow to contain. This innocent note ignited a quest that would span more than three and a half centuries, baffling the greatest minds and becoming the most notorious unsolved problem in mathematics.
Simon Singh's book chronicles this epic intellectual journey, tracing the theorem's origins from ancient Greece through centuries of brilliant attempts and agonizing failures. It reveals a human story of obsession, rivalry, and profound dedication, culminating in the solitary, decades-long pursuit by Andrew Wiles, who finally brought the enigma to a close. Discover how a problem understandable by a child could drive mathematicians to the brink, shaping the very landscape of mathematics and revealing the power of human perseverance.
Simon Singh's book chronicles this epic intellectual journey, tracing the theorem's origins from ancient Greece through centuries of brilliant attempts and agonizing failures. It reveals a human story of obsession, rivalry, and profound dedication, culminating in the solitary, decades-long pursuit by Andrew Wiles, who finally brought the enigma to a close. Discover how a problem understandable by a child could drive mathematicians to the brink, shaping the very landscape of mathematics and revealing the power of human perseverance.
- Genres
- Fiction
What readers say
4.30
34K ratings across the web 9 in 10 readers loved it
Simon Singh's book is widely praised for its ability to transform a complex mathematical quest into a thrilling and accessible narrative. Reviewers consistently highlight the author's skill in presenting the history of mathematics and the pursuit of a famous theorem as an engaging detective story, making it exciting even for those without a strong mathematical background. The book is lauded for its clear, fluid writing style, which interweaves historical context and biographical anecdotes of mathematicians from ancient times to the modern era, including lesser-known figures. Many readers found it inspiring, fostering an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics and the human passion for intellectual challenges, while providing enough substance to feel satisfying without being overly technical.
Despite its many strengths, some readers noted limitations in the book's ability to fully convey the intricate details of the mathematical proof itself. A common sentiment was that while the historical journey and the human element were brilliantly captured, a deep understanding of how the ultimate solution worked remained elusive. A few critics also suggested that the author, being a journalist, occasionally oversimplified concepts or even included minor mathematical inaccuracies, although this was not a widespread complaint. For those seeking a rigorous, in-depth explanation of the advanced mathematical techniques involved, the book's focus on accessibility might leave them wanting more.
Overall, the book is highly recommended as a captivating and educational read. It is particularly well-suited for a broad audience, including casual readers interested in history, science, or human endeavor, as well as those with a budding curiosity about mathematics. While it may not satisfy professional mathematicians or those desiring a highly technical breakdown of the proof, it excels at showcasing the epic, centuries-long struggle to solve a profound problem, making it an unputdownable story of perseverance, genius, and discovery.
Despite its many strengths, some readers noted limitations in the book's ability to fully convey the intricate details of the mathematical proof itself. A common sentiment was that while the historical journey and the human element were brilliantly captured, a deep understanding of how the ultimate solution worked remained elusive. A few critics also suggested that the author, being a journalist, occasionally oversimplified concepts or even included minor mathematical inaccuracies, although this was not a widespread complaint. For those seeking a rigorous, in-depth explanation of the advanced mathematical techniques involved, the book's focus on accessibility might leave them wanting more.
Overall, the book is highly recommended as a captivating and educational read. It is particularly well-suited for a broad audience, including casual readers interested in history, science, or human endeavor, as well as those with a budding curiosity about mathematics. While it may not satisfy professional mathematicians or those desiring a highly technical breakdown of the proof, it excels at showcasing the epic, centuries-long struggle to solve a profound problem, making it an unputdownable story of perseverance, genius, and discovery.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Fourth Estate, 1997
- ISBN
- 9781857025217
- Language
- English
