Constantin Caratheodory (Hardcover)

by Maria Georgiadou (Author)
Key Phrases: geodesic descent, elementary radiation theory, geodesic fields, University of Athens, Asia Minor, World War (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews:

"Maria Georgiadou’s huge biography of the famous early twentieth century analyst, Constantin Carathéodory, is a truly herculean undertaking. … It is worth noting at the outset that Georgiadou’s presentation of specifically mathematical material is impressively accurate and complete … . Georgiadou’s research provides a treasure-trove of minutiae that cannot fail to satisfy hard analysts and mathematical historians of the indicated disposition: a truly impressive achievement. … I recommend it to all mathematicians interested in the heroic generation to which Carathéodory belonged." (Michael Berg, MathDL, January 2005)

"Maria Georgiadou has produced a remarkable account of Carathéodory’s life and times. Her narrative is woven from original sources: his publications and correspondence, family records, university archives, and other relevant documents. … Everything is meticulously documented with hundreds of footnotes. There are facsimiles of original documents and many interesting photographs. … The book contains a wealth of information … . It will be considered the definitive biography for many years to come." (P. L. Duren, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2005 h)

"This is an excellent biography of a man who belongs to the most renowned mathematicians of the first half of the 20th century. … The author has gathered with exceptional care almost all accessible material that has a bearing to the life of this scientist, and has built a narrative that will fascinate everyone who opens the book." (EMS Newsletter, 2004)

"Maria Georgiadou has written a very valuable and deep book about Carathéodory, a talented and successful German mathematician of Greek descent. … This book is a solid, thorough work in the history of science (and in history); it is equally useful for those who want to use it as a textbook and for those who have a general interest. Everyone will value highly this volume because it leaves a lasting impact in its reader." (Antal Varga, Acta Scientiarum Mathematicarum, Vol. 70, 2004)

"Eight years of historical investigations resulted in a very well researched book, which in addition is remarkably well written. … This is a high quality production, fitting a definitive biography of a fine mathematician. The book would be welcomed by historians of mathematics and everyone with interest in these ‘turbulent times’ of European and Greek history. It would likely remain a standard text on Constantin Carathéodory life for decades to come. Congratulations are in order to the author and Springer-Verlag." (Alexander Soifer, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1039 (8), 2004)

"Georgiadou provides both an excellent historical reference and a compelling account of one of the foremost mathematicians of the twentieth century. … Her well-organized and detail-oriented book presents his personal and mathematical life within a broader historical and cultural context that is needed to understand many striking details. … The biography brings him to life and presents a fitting attribute to his accomplishments." (Loukas Grafakos, American Mathematical Monthly, June/July, 2004)

Product Description
Constantin Carathéodory (Berlin 1873-1950 Munich)- Mathematics and Politics in Turbulent Times is a biography of a mathematician who became famous during his life but has hithero been ignored by historians for half a century after his death.

In a thought-provoking approach, Maria Georgiadou grants all the attention a personality such as Constantin Carathéodory deserves. With breathtaking detail and the appropriate scrutiny she elucidates his oeuvre, life and turbulent political/historical surroundings: descending from the Greek élite of Constantinople, Carathéodory graduates from the military school of Brussels, becomes engineer at the Assiout dam in Egypt and finally dedicates a life of effort to mathematics and education. He studies and embarks on an international academic career, haunted by wars, catastrophes and personal tragedies. Over the last years of his life, he stays in Munich despite World War II, an ambiguous decision upon which the authors sheds unprecedented light.

The interdisciplinarity of the text allows easy access for both scholars and readers with a general interest in mathematics, politics and history. The thoroughness of the author's research and evaluations is certain to leave everyone impressed and more knowledgeable.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 651 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (February 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540442588
• ISBN-13: 978-3540442585
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,163,755 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)