Mathematician Ian Stewart tells readers what he wishes he had known when he was a student. He takes up subjects ranging from the philosophical to the practical-what mathematics is and why it's worth doing, the relationship between logic and proof, the role of beauty in mathematical thinking, the future of mathematics, how to deal with the peculiarities of the mathematical community, and many others.

About the Author
Ian Stewart is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Warwick and is well known for his writing and broadcasting about mathematics for nonspecialists. He has written over 140 research papers on such subjects as symmetry in dynamics, pattern formation, chaos, and mathematical biology, as well as numerous popular books, including Letters to a Young Mathematician, Does God Play Dice?, What Shape Is a Snowflake?, Nature's Numbers, The Annotated Flatland, and Flatterland. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2001. He lives in Coventry, England.

Reviews
"(This) book's greatest value is its insight into what it is to be a mathematician... His enthusiasm is infectious." The Times "The letter in which Stewart tells Meg how to teach undergraduates should be compulsory reading for all lecturers and tutors". Nature"



Book Information
ISBN 9780465082322
Author Ian Stewart
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Basic Books
Publisher Basic Books
Weight(grams) 208g
Dimensions(mm) 200mm * 126mm * 22mm