Algebraic Number Theory and Fermat's Last Theorem (Hardcover)

~ Ian Stewart (Author), David Tall (Author) "Fermat's Last Theorem is a special case of the theory of Diophantine equations-integer solutions of polynomial equations..." (more)
Key Phrases: rational conic, factorization into irreducibles, fractional ideals, Fermat's Last Theorem, Taniyama-Shimura-Weil Conjecture, Algebraic Background (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This new, completely revised edition of a classic text introduces all elements necessary for understanding The Proof (Title of a PBS series dedicated to the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem) as well as new development and unsolved problems. Written by two distinguished mathematicians, Ian Stewart and David Tall, this book weaves together the historical development of the subject with a presentation of mathematical techniques. The result is a solid introduction to one of the most active research areas of mathematics for serious math buffs and a textbook accessible to undergraduates.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: AK Peters, Ltd.; 3 Sub edition (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568811195
• ISBN-13: 978-1568811192
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #279,556 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #17 in	Books > Science > History & Philosophy > History
  #44 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Mathematics > Geometry & Topology > Algebraic Geometry
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lucid introduction, October 7, 2003

By A Customer

Lucid and clear introduction to algebraic number theory, in style very much like the author's other book on Galois theory. Very elementary though, doesn't cover any analytic method, nor gives even a taste of class field theory, besides the problem set is less than challenging. But the book serves its purpose well, strongly recommended for beginners.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars thoughts from an amateur, February 11, 2004

By	A. Pai - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

good overview of algebraic number theory as it applies to FLT, however not exactly pitched at beginners. you'll want to have a grounding in abstract algebra & linear algebra at the minimum. still, even if you don't, you can get a good sense of the "big picture" and a high-level understanding of the advances in mathematics that were directly or indirectly related to attempts to solve FLT. overall a fascinating read if you're a math geek who wants something a little deeper than Simon Singh's pop treatment of Wiles' proof.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very clear introduction to Algebraic Number Theory, March 30, 2005

By	DaddyRead.com "Great Books to Read Aloud" (New York) - See all my reviews

This book is a very clear intoductino to ANT. It is a good first step for many reasons. One: it stays with algebraic number fields that are extensions of Q, the rational numbers. You get a good feel for the subject. When you go to more advanced books Q is replaced by other fields (P-adic, function fields, finite fields,..).
Two: He assumes very little and writes very clearly
Three: You only needs to read his Galois theory book for the prerequisite
Four: His book is what is usually left for the reader to do as an excersize in more advanced books.