Gamma by Julian Havil
Takes the reader on a journey through logarithms and the harmonic series, the two defining elements of gamma, toward the first account of gamma's place in mathematics. This book shows us through countries, centuries, lives, and works, unfolding along the way the stories of some remarkable mathematics from some mathematicians.
[A] wonderful book.. Havil's emphasis on historical context and his conversational style make this a pleasure to read... Gamma is a gold mine of irresistible mathematical nuggets. Anyone with a serious interest in maths will find it richly rewarding. -- Ben Longstaff, New Scientist This book is a joy from start to finish. -- Gerry Leversha, Mathematical Gazette [Gamma] is not a book about mathematics, but a book of mathematics... [It] is something like a picaresque novel; the hero, Euler's constant g, serves as the unifying motif through a wide range of mathematical adventures. -- Dan Segal, Notices of the American Mathematical Society The book is enjoyable for many reasons. Here are just two. First, the explanations are not only complete, but they have the right amount of generality... Second, the pleasure Havil has in contemplating this material is infectious. -- Jeremy Gray, MAA Online It is only fitting that someone should write a book about gamma, or Euler's constant. Havil takes on this task and does an excellent job. -- Choice This book is accessible to a wide range of readers, and should particularly appeal to those who feel a love for mathematics and are dissuaded by the dryness and formality of text-books, but are also not satisfied by the less rigorous approach of most popular books. Mathematics is presented throughout as something connected to reality... Many readers will find in this book exactly what they have been missing. -- Mohammad Akbar, Plus Magazine This book is written in an informal, engaging, and often amusing style. The author takes pains to make the mathematics clear. He writes about the mathematical geniuses of the past with reverence and awe. It is especially nice that the mathematical topics are discussed within a historical context. -- Ward R. Stewart, Mathematics Teacher
Julian Havil is a Master at Winchester College, England, where he has taught mathematics for nearly thirty years. He received a Ph.D. in mathematics from Oxford University. Freeman Dyson is Professor Emeritus of Physics at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton. He is the author of several books, including "Disturbing the Universe" and "Origins of Life".
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780691099835 |
| ISBN 10 | 0691099839 |
| Title | Gamma |
| Author | Julian Havil |
| Series | Princeton Science Library |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Princeton University Press |
| Year published | 2003-04-06 |
| Number of pages | 296 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |