Book description
This ebook contains a limited number of illustrations.
The ebook of the critically-acclaimed popular science book by a writer
who is fast becoming a celebrity mathematician.
Prime numbers are the very atoms of arithmetic. They also embody one of
the most tantalising enigmas in the pursuit of human knowledge. How can
one predict when the next prime number will occur? Is there a formula
which could generate primes? These apparently simple questions have
confounded mathematicians ever since the Ancient Greeks.
In 1859, the brilliant German mathematician Bernard Riemann put forward
an idea which finally seemed to reveal a magical harmony at work in the
numerical landscape. The promise that these eternal, unchanging numbers
would finally reveal their secret thrilled mathematicians around the
world. Yet Riemann, a hypochondriac and a troubled perfectionist, never
publicly provided a proof for his hypothesis and his housekeeper burnt
all his personal papers on his death.
Whoever cracks Riemann's hypothesis will go down in history, for it has
implications far beyond mathematics. In business, it is the lynchpin for
security and e-commerce. In science, it has critical ramifications in
Quantum Mechanics, Chaos Theory, and the future of computing. Pioneers
in each of these fields are racing to crack the code and a prize of
million has been offered to the winner. As yet, it remains unsolved.
In this breathtaking book, mathematician Marcus du Sautoy tells the
story of the eccentric and brilliant men who have struggled to solve one
of the biggest mysteries in science. It is a story of strange journeys,
last-minute escapes from death and the unquenchable thirst for
knowledge. Above all, it is a moving and awe-inspiring evocation of the
mathematician's world and the beauties and mysteries it contains. 'Du
Sautoy is a contagious enthusiast, a populist with a staunch faith in
the public's intelligence…he has uncovered a wealth of intriguing
anecdotes that he has woven into a compelling narrative.' Observer
'He laces the ideas with history, anecdote and personalia - an
entertaining mix that renders an austere subject palatable…valiant and
ingenious…Even those with a mathematical allergy can enjoy du Sautoy's
depictions of his cast of characters' The Times
'He brings hugely enjoyable writing, full of zest and passion, to the
most fundamental questions in the pursuit of true knowledge.' Sunday Times
'A mesmerising journey into the world of mathematics and its
mysteries.' Daily Mail
'A brilliant storyteller.' Independent Marcus du Sautoy is a fellow
of Wadham College, Oxford and has been named by The Independent on
Sunday as one of Britain leading scientists. In 2001 he won the Berwick
Prize of The London Mathmatical Society and in 2006 gace the Royal
Institution Christmas Lectures. His book 'The Music of the Prmes' was
published in 2003 to widespread acclaim.
