Mathematicians – An Outer View of the Inner World - Hardcover

Cook, Mariana

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691139512 ISBN 13: 9780691139517

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2009

Synopsis

"Mathematicians" is a remarkable collection of ninety-two photographic portraits, featuring some of the most amazing mathematicians of our time. Acclaimed photographer Mariana Cook captures the exuberant and colorful personalities of these brilliant thinkers and the superb images are accompanied by brief autobiographical texts written by each mathematician. Together, the photographs and words illuminate a diverse group of men and women dedicated to the absorbing pursuit of mathematics. The compelling black-and-white portraits introduce readers to mathematicians who are young and old, fathers and daughters, and husbands and wives. They include Fields Medal winners, those at the beginning of major careers, and those who are long-established celebrities in the discipline. Their candid personal essays reveal unique and wide-ranging thoughts, opinions, and humor, as the mathematicians discuss how they became interested in mathematics, why they love the subject, how they remain motivated in the face of mathematical challenges, and how their greatest contributions have paved new directions for future generations. "Mathematicians" in the book include David Blackwell, Henri Cartan, John Conway, Pierre Deligne, Timothy Gowers, Frances Kirwan, Peter Lax, William Massey, John Milnor, Cathleen Morawetz, John Nash, Karen Uhlenbeck, and many others. Conveying the beauty and joy of mathematics to those both within and outside the field, this photographic collection is an inspirational tribute to mathematicians everywhere.

About this title

About the Author

Mariana Cook's work is exhibited internationally and held in many major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Portrait Gallery. Her acclaimed books include "Couples", "Fathers and Daughters", "Mothers and Sons", and "Generations of Women" (all Chronicle). R. C. Gunning is professor of mathematics at Princeton University.

From the Back Cover

"The startling contrast between lined faces and lively minds suggests that the passionate pursuit of mathematics is an ideal formula for aging gracefully, even joyfully."--Sylvia Nasar, author ofA Beautiful Mind

"Mariana Cook has gathered a wonderful collection of reflective essays by some of the most celebrated living mathematicians and she has captured the essence of these interesting people through her photographs. It was a pleasure to read about the lives and thoughts of these mathematicians whom I have respected for so long. I foresee many mathematicians and mathematics students consuming these morsels with delight."--David Richeson, author ofEuler's Gem: The Polyhedron Formula and the Birth of Topology

From the Inside Flap

"The startling contrast between lined faces and lively minds suggests that the passionate pursuit of mathematics is an ideal formula for aging gracefully, even joyfully."--Sylvia Nasar, author of A Beautiful Mind

"Mariana Cook has gathered a wonderful collection of reflective essays by some of the most celebrated living mathematicians and she has captured the essence of these interesting people through her photographs. It was a pleasure to read about the lives and thoughts of these mathematicians whom I have respected for so long. I foresee many mathematicians and mathematics students consuming these morsels with delight."--David Richeson, author of Euler's Gem: The Polyhedron Formula and the Birth of Topology

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691139512
• ISBN 13: 9780691139517
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208