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Old October 23rd, 2009, 03:35 PM
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Default Books about Mathematicians

Does anybody know where I could search for books about the actual mathematicians, as opposed to their work? I can't seem to find a lot. When I search for their names the books that come up are usually reprinted manuscripts of their work. If there aren't any can you recommend something about the history of mathematics?
And while we're on the subject, which mathematician's life interests you the most?
From the extremely little I know, Abel's life seems interesting. Kinda tragic, but humbling. But again, I know very little!
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Old October 23rd, 2009, 05:36 PM
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If you would like to read about some great mathematicians, there are many books available. I'd recommend Men of Mathematics by E.T. Bell. I particularly liked Galois' life but it was somewhat sad. It is a very famous book and has been reprinted numerous times. I think, if you've ever heard of John Nash, he read this book while he was a kid and enjoyed it immensely. No doubt many other people who have gone into math read it as well.
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Old October 24th, 2009, 02:26 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bleys View Post
Does anybody know where I could search for books about the actual mathematicians, as opposed to their work? I can't seem to find a lot. When I search for their names the books that come up are usually reprinted manuscripts of their work. If there aren't any can you recommend something about the history of mathematics?
And while we're on the subject, which mathematician's life interests you the most?
From the extremely little I know, Abel's life seems interesting. Kinda tragic, but humbling. But again, I know very little!
You cannot go wrong with the excellent website MacTutor. It contains substantial biographies of very many great, and often obscure, mathematicians.
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Old October 25th, 2009, 11:55 AM
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Great thanks! I was reading Finding Moonshine and it has little tidbits of mathematicians' biographies and I really got interested by them so I wanted to find more. It did have a little bit about Galois as well, and like you said it is a sad story.
I find that knowing something about a mathematician puts their work in a brighter light. Kind of like knowing about a composer gives you more perspective on their music.
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Old November 10th, 2009, 10:41 AM
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Borders has a pretty good selection, also the library. Try county libraries opposed to the small town ones. Good luck!!
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