John von Neumann
Selected Letters
London Mathematical Society author Miklos Redei editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:American Mathematical Society
Published:30th Nov '05
Should be back in stock very soon
John von Neuman was perhaps the most influential mathematician of the twentieth century, especially if his broad influence outside mathematics is included. Not only did he contribute to almost all branches of mathematics and created new fields, but he also changed post-World War II history with his work on the design of computers and with being a sought-after technical advisor to many figures in the U.S. military-political establishment in the 1940s and 1950s.
The present volume is the first substantial collection of (previously mainly unpublished) letters written by von Neumann to colleagues, friends, government officials, and others. The letters give us a glimpse of the thinking of John von Neumann about mathematics, physics, computer science, science management, education, consulting, politics, and war. Readers of quite diverse backgrounds will find much of interest in this fascinating first-hand look at one of the towering figures of twentieth century science.
“This selection of letters by the great mathematician John von Neumann (1903-1957) has been edited with remarkable care and expertise. Nearly all of his letters are published here for the first time. ....The extensive introductory comments by the editor (pp. 1-40) furnish important background information that will prove itself useful, especially for those readers who cannot rely on a thorough knowledge of von Neumann's seminal contributions to the foundations of mathematics, mathematical logic, quantum mechanics, quantum logic, computer science, and game theory.” —Mathematics and Mechanics
“This fine volume of selected letters will be of great interest to mathematicians, scientists, educators, and, in particular, those interested in the history of the fields to which John von Neumann contributed so much.” —Historia Mathematica
“This will be an enduring reference book ...delivers an impressive sampling of the breadth and influence of von Neumann's work.” —Notices of the American Mathematical Society
“I recommend that you check out a copy of the book yourself. These letters are put together in a very nice volume, and give quite a bit of insight into one of the great mathematical minds of all time.” —MAA Reviews
“The volume under review will certainly contribute to our knowledge about John von Neumann and his personality. It will be interesting for historians of science, especially of mathematics and mathematical physics.” —Zentrablatt MATH
ISBN: 9781470468637
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
301 pages