A Primer of Mathematical Writing: Being a Disquisition on Having Your Ideas Recorded, Typeset, Published, Read & Appreciated [Paperback]

Steven G. Krantz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 16, 1996

This book is about writing in the professional mathematical environment. While the book is nominally about writing, it's also about how to function in the mathematical profession. In many ways, this text complements Krantz's previous bestseller, How to Teach Mathematics. Those who are familiar with Krantz's writing will recognize his lively, inimitable style. <P>In this volume, he addresses these nuts-and-bolts issues: <P>Syntax, grammar, structure, and style <BR>Mathematical exposition <BR>Use of the computer and TeX <BR>E-mail etiquette <BR>All aspects of publishing a journal article <P>Krantz's frank and straightforward approach makes this book particularly suitable as a textbook. He does not avoid difficult topics. His intent is to demonstrate to the reader how to successfully operate within the profession. He outlines how to write grant proposals that are persuasive and compelling, how to write a letter of recommendation describing the research abilities of a candidate for promotion or tenure, and what a dean is looking for in a letter of recommendation. He further addresses some basic issues such as writing a book proposal to a publisher or applying for a job. Readers will find in reading this text that Krantz has produced a quality work which makes evident the power and significance of writing in the mathematics profession.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is about writing in the professional mathematical environment. While the book is nominally about writing, it's also about how to function in the mathematical profession. Krantz's frank and straightforward approach makes this particularly suitable as a textbook. He does not avoid difficult topics." ---- Zentralblatt für Didaktik der Mathematik

"Krantz provides brief but helpful advice on writing a survey article, an opinion piece, a letter of recommendation, a book review, a referee's report, a talk, a grant application, a curriculum vitae, a job application, and email. He concludes his book with a chapter called 'The modern writing environment' which discusses the use of computers, TeX, spell checkers, etc. Krantz's book is lively, entertaining and provides many amusing anecdotes ... [an] excellent and worthy candidate for a statistician's library ... more useful on your personal bookshelf than in a shared library, so it can be consulted regularly." ---- Australian and New Zealand Journal of Statistics

"Krantz, a prolific and distinguished mathematical author, discourses engagingly (yet seriously) on the art and etiquette of virtually all types of writing an academic mathematician is likely to encounter ... Grammatical points, stylistic and typesetting issues, and the correct and effective use of mathematical notation are handled deftly and with good humor ... [Hopefully] senior faculty will consider it mandatory reading for graduate students and even upper-division undergraduates. An enjoyable way to learn some fundamentals of good mathematical writing. Highly recommended." ---- Choice

Product Details

• Paperback: 223 pages
• Publisher: American Mathematical Society (December 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821806351
• ISBN-13: 978-0821806357
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #894,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Often hilarious, yet accurate portrayal of how to write math, June 23, 2000

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Primer of Mathematical Writing: Being a Disquisition on Having Your Ideas Recorded, Typeset, Published, Read & Appreciated (Paperback)

If there was ever a book that could make or break a career in mathematics, this is it. Without exception all mathematicians must at some time put coherent thoughts together to communicate. And the quality of that correspondence does sometimes differentiate between success and failure. We all will write at least a resume, vita and cover letter for a job application. While there do exist companies that can aid in the writing, it would be a rare one indeed that could tell you which of your math skills to put the stress on. All modern forms of communication between mathematicians is covered. From the traditional mathematical traits of writing theorems with proofs to TEX and e-mail collaboration.
From the book, it is clear that the author has a devilish sense of humor. When giving examples of proper writing, he combines the use of public names with others that are partial and creates some delightful and descriptive attributes. The sample vita is an absolute scream, although you have to be a bit older to appreciate it. Some of it is given below with reviewer comments in parentheses.

Curriculum Vitae for
Clemson Ataturk Kadiddlehopper
( The Red Skelton character that was a bum.)
Home address: 17 Poverty Row, Faculty Ghetto, Iowa 50011
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Honors: Neural Sediment Fibration Graduate Fellow. 1971-1974.
( The character was bald. )
Visiting Professor, Callipygean Institute of Tectonics, 1977.
Shinola Fellow, College of Good Hair, 1979.
Visiting Professor, Upper College of Lower Academics, 1980.
Visiting Professor, University of Basic Bourgeoisie, 1986.
Visiting Professor, Hahvahd University, 1986.
Honorary Lecturer, Crab Louie College, 1987.

Names used, created or combined come from all areas of human endeavor and history. And you have to be on your toes to catch them all. It sometimes took this reviewer more than one pass to catch the complete subtlety of the joke. Names such as Mergetroyd Mittelschlachenmeyer, Ayatollah Hohenzolern, Fig Newton, Iphiginea Mandelbrooski and Imelda Rasputin are works of a comedic expert. And, lines like,

"In order to test her creative abilities, I have given Georgina Spelvin extra work outside of class."

"Would you tenure Marilyn Chambers in your department?"

"If you are asked whether Hypatia Lee should be tenured, or promoted, or given a certain post, . . ."

are some that this reviewer would never have thought would appear in a serious work. (All are porn actresses.)
This is easily the funniest, serious book that I have ever read.