num_pages: 224
description: 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 young faculty member. 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--are dealt with in Stewart's much-admired style, which combines subtle, easygoing humor with a talent for cutting to the heart of the matter. In the tradition of G.H. Hardy's classic A Mathematician's Apology , this book is sure to be a perennial favorite with students at all levels, as well as with other readers who are curious about the frequently incomprehensible world of mathematics.
language: English
title: Letters to a Young Mathematician
titlecomplete: Letters to a Young Mathematician (Art of Mentoring)
genres: Popular Science, Essays, Teaching, Academia, Science, Philosophy, Mathematics, Education, Physics, Nonfiction
ratings_count: 1668
awards: awardedAt: 1136102400000
name: Peano Prize
category: Best Popular Mathematics or Science Books
publisher: Basic Books