Review
"[T]his is a book to discontinuous reading: one picks it at leisure, takes a look at the contents and chooses what to read. No order is required, nor any systematic dedication, but in the end one sure will read it all."---Jesús M. Ruiz, European Mathematical Society Newsletter
"This book is an assortment of interviews and memoirs of 16 contemporary mathematicians with a variety of backgrounds. The volume includes some unique, never-published photographs of the mathematicians--at work and/or with their families--that add a nice personal touch. As this reviewer read about these individuals, she found herself wanting to know more about them, and even considering inviting one to be a guest speaker at a math club meeting. . . . [Fascinating Mathematical People] would be a useful supplementary resource for an undergraduate history of mathematics class; it would also be a valuable work for students to browse on their own."---J.A. Bakal, Choice
"Interesting personal sketches of mathematicians at work and at home. . . . For students considering a career in mathematics, this book can be an enlightening read. For readers who are already mathematicians, it gives insight into some mathematical history of the twentieth century."---Dorothy Janice Radin, Mathematics Teacher
"What do a Beatles expert, a professional magician and a Los Angeles dentist have in common? If they're Joseph Gallian, Arthur Benjamin and Leon Bankoff, it's mathematics. The words of these and other researchers, mentors and teachers in the maths community feature in this compilation by educator Donald Albers and mathematician Gerald Alexanderson. There is much to relish in these accounts--not least geometer Thomas Banchoff's friendship with Salvador Dalí, who explored the nexus of atomic science, maths and art late in life.", Nature
"It is packed with anecdotes and suitable for the general reader or historian. A range of themes are introduced in the preface raising the potential for a more specialized biographical insight. An enjoyable read and learning experience."---Wallace A Ferguson, Mathematics Today
"Winner of the 2012 Book Merit Award in the Professional, Reference category, New York Book Show"
"A beautifully illustrated collection of interviews and biographical etudes of 16 mathematicians of different backgrounds, varied professional interests, diverse level of achievement--all incredibly interesting as human beings. . . . [A]n awfully good and entertaining read."---Alexander Bogomolny, CTK Insights
"Albers and Alexanderson pick up where they left off from their earlier books, Mathematical People and More Mathematical People, with profiles of 16 unique individuals involved in all areas of mathematics teaching and research. . . . A handy way to learn about contemporary mathematic ideas and interrelated areas of research, the book seems more like a dinner party filled with intriguing personalities than a textbook. . . . Strongly recommended for readers interested in mathematics and anyone wanting to understand the creative process."---Elizabeth Brown, Library Journal
Review
"Fascinating Mathematical People is a wonderfully varied collection. We meet brilliantly successful teachers, authors, a dentist, and two Fields Medal-winning Scandinavians. Some came from academic or intellectual families, another from a blazing-hot glass factory in Pennsylvania, and still another from an ancient and storied English aristocratic background. All of them had surprising side paths and detours on their way to mathematical success."―Reuben Hersh, coauthor of Loving and Hating Mathematics
From the Inside Flap
"Fascinating Mathematical People is a wonderfully varied collection. We meet brilliantly successful teachers, authors, a dentist, and two Fields Medal-winning Scandinavians. Some came from academic or intellectual families, another from a blazing-hot glass factory in Pennsylvania, and still another from an ancient and storied English aristocratic background. All of them had surprising side paths and detours on their way to mathematical success."--Reuben Hersh, coauthor ofLoving and Hating Mathematics
"This is a wonderful book."--Barry Cipra, coauthor of What's Happening in the Mathematical Sciences
From the Back Cover
"Fascinating Mathematical People is a wonderfully varied collection. We meet brilliantly successful teachers, authors, a dentist, and two Fields Medal-winning Scandinavians. Some came from academic or intellectual families, another from a blazing-hot glass factory in Pennsylvania, and still another from an ancient and storied English aristocratic background. All of them had surprising side paths and detours on their way to mathematical success."--Reuben Hersh, coauthor of Loving and Hating Mathematics
"This is a wonderful book."--Barry Cipra, coauthor of What's Happening in the Mathematical Sciences
About the Author
Donald J. Albers is senior acquisitions editor at the Mathematical Association of America. Gerald L. Alexanderson is the Michael and Elizabeth Valeriote Professor of Science at Santa Clara University. They are the editors of Mathematical People: Profiles and Interviews and More Mathematical People: Contemporary Conversations.
