Letters to a Young Mathematician

by Ian Stewart

Book Overview

The first scientific entry in the acclaimed Art of Mentoring series from Basic Books, Letters to a Young Mathematician tells readers what Ian Stewart wishes he had known when he was a student and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0465082319
• ISBN13: 9780465082315
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: Perseus Books
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A convincing description of the mathematical facts of life

The life of a professional mathematician is one that requires a great deal of preparation. While learning mathematics is of course essential, there are many other facets to making a living in mathematics. Depending on the job, there can be any combination of conducting research, teaching, industrial applications, committee work, writing grant applications, writing grant reports, presenting results, writing and defending papers, and other interactions with colleagues. In this book, Stewart writes a series of letters to Meg, a fictitious person, and they give advice to her that covers the complete spectrum. Everything from how to prepare for the study of mathematics before you start college to how to conduct yourself after you have published quality research is discussed. As Stewart himself acknowledges in the preface, he was strongly influenced by Godfrey Harold Hardy's classic book "A Mathematician's Apology." Mathematics is one area of life where you can find everything from absolute known truth to absolute unknown truth. With such a rich range of experiences, it is one of the most rewarding occupations there is. Stewart is convincing when he is telling his young protégé the facts of life as they apply to a professional mathematician. Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission

Excellent mentoring guide

While the book certainly does an excellent job encouraging the study of mathematics I found the insights in how best to encourage a study of such a subject an excellent mentoring guide for other subjects as well. I am thinking specifially of logic but feel certain there would be a range of subjects these great stories and insights would apply to. So it is not just a good book for those young people thinking of studying math. It is also a good read for those who would encourage young people to study and be serious in their studies. It helps show just how important such seriousness is, while at the same time find the work enjoyable. This is a great read for young people who have not even deciced what they want to be yet as well as those who are interested in careers with emphasis on logic and mathemtaics.

For more than aspiring mathematicians

This is a pleasant little book of just over 200 pages. It deserves more readers than the title indicates. It might encourage someone to develop their math ability or to choose math as a profession, overcoming some doubts based on prejudices. It is a useful resource for someone in a position to advise a young person. It is enjoyable for those with an abiding interest in math. I believe it would even be entertaining and educational for those with an open mind but a fear of math. For the latter, be aware there is some esoteric vocabulary. It is just a way to mention there are sub, sub, sub specialties in math. There is very little actual math in the book, and that is mostly about symmetry. The letters are addressed to Meg, from girl through professor. About 99% applies to males. Much of it also applies to other scientific fields, and some applies to other fields where evidence is important. There are even a couple chapters that would be worthwhile to someone contemplating a career in one of the academic departments where opinions are paramount. The weaknesses are few and minor. There is no index. Mathematicians and math in industry are ignored. The prejudices against female mathematicians are, I believe, somewhat overstated. The need for writing skills should be emphasized.

easy introduction to the life of a mathematician

Letters to a Young Mathematician portrays the life of a mathematician to a hypothetical young woman pursuing a career as a mathematician. The author draws on his own experience as a mathematician to regal his readers with stories from his life but also some useful insights into just what the life of a mathamatician entails. There is information about the use and misuse of computers in mathematics, a chapter on getting over fear of proofs and many others. I found the authors depiction of the career of a mathematician interesting. This book is very easy to read as it does not include much in the way of math. If you are hoping to become a mathematician this book is very useful, but if you are just hoping to learn some math look elsewhere.

Quick Read

After reading many of the books in this series, I was drawn to Mr. Stewart's book immediately. As a lawyer, I find that the study of Math can be useful in such obscure topics as the Property or Mergers & Acquisitions. One of the more enjoyable aspects of this book, was its acknowledgement that Math is not for everyone. I, for one, am glad that Stewart writes that one does not back into a career in mathematics, like say someone who backs into a career as a salesman or lawyer. Overall, a nice easy read that is witty and intellectually stimulating at the same time.