Joseph R. Dell'Aquila, Ph.D.
My first exposure to this book was probably as a young college student. When I started teaching physics and mathematics at the college and university level, I recommended this book to all of my students. Why? The table-like pages xvi - xvii are an excellent reminder of fruitful ways to understand, think about, attack and solve problems. Although I am a PhD in theoretical physics, I still dip into it occasionally when I need some insight or want to recall what I knew about approaching a problem. Is the book at that high a level? Of course not. It is a basic introduction to the fundamentals of problem solving. But remember that Michael Jordan, in "I Can't Accept Not Trying," always thanked Dean Smith, his famous college coach - who would bench Jordan if he got sloppy - for teaching him the fundamentals and Jordan said within a page of that: "fundamentals, that's what made Larry Bird such a great player." That is all this book is trying to give, fundamentals, and it does so brilliantly. To those whose reviews said it was not helpful and wanted to know where was the graduate level analysis, if you want to stick with Polya try "Inequalities" by G. H. Hardy, J. E. Littlewood, G. Pólya, all great to exceptional mathematicians with plenty of analysis to share and, for more specialized work, Isoperimetric Inequalities in Mathematical Physics by Polya and Szego. Note that one computer scientist/programmer disliked the book but another lauded it. I would never want to restrict dialogue on review but please check out the appropriateness and level of any book you buy. I have rarely written negative reviews on Amazon or elsewhere because I do my homework: using the Internet to find information on the work and even going to a library to see whether I like what their copy offers (I'm phrasing it this way because different editions, perhaps the library's edition vs. the one you're considering purchasing, can be quite different). Buy and use Polya if it is appropriate to your needs.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Next 5 for you in this series
See full series
Total Price:
$78.19
More like How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method (Princeton Science Library Book 34)
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Loading...
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2010
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2007
Top reviews from other countries
Francisco Arce Anguiano
Excelente libro, un clásico
Reviewed in Mexico on May 16, 2023
Olunn
Very useful for the avid problem solver!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2023
L. J. Oja
An Absolute Necessity - This Must Be On Your Bookshelf
Reviewed in Canada on February 8, 2021
