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An entertaining history of mathematics as chronicled through fifty short biographies. Mathematics today is the fruit of centuries of brilliant insights by men and women whose personalities and life experiences were often as extraordinary as their mathematical achievements. This entertaining history of mathematics chronicles those achievements through fifty short biographies that bring these great thinkers to life while making their contributions understandable to readers with little math background. Among the fascinating characters profiled are Isaac Newton (1642-1727) , the founder of classical physics and infinitesimal calculus--he frequently quarreled with fellow scientists and was obsessed by alchemy and arcane Bible interpretation; Sophie Germain (1776 - 1831) , who studied secretly at the cole Polytechnique in Paris, using the name of a previously enrolled male student--she is remembered for her work on Fermat's Last Theorem and on elasticity theory; Emmy Noether (1882 - 1935) , whom Albert Einstein described as the most important woman in the history of mathematics--she made important contributions to abstract algebra and in physics she clarified the connection between conservation laws and symmetry; and Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920) , who came from humble origins in India and had almost no formal training, yet made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions.The unusual behavior and life circumstances of these and many other intriguing personalities make for fascinating reading and a highly enjoyable introduction to mathematics.



About the Author

Alfred S. Posamentier

Alfred S. Posamentier (River Vale, NJ) is currently Chief Liaison for International Academic Affairs at Long Island University, New York, and was former Dean of the School of Education and Professor of Mathematics Education at Mercy College (2010-2015) , New York, and previously (2010) Distinguished Lecturer at New York City College of Technology of the City University of New York. He is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Education at The City College of the City University of New York, and former Dean of the School of Education, where he was for 40 years (1970-2010) . He is the author and co-author of more than 60 mathematics books for teachers, secondary and elementary school students, and the general readership. Dr. Posamentier is also a frequent commentator in newspapers and journals on topics relating to education. Dr. Posamentier has a B.A. (Hunter College/CUNY) , M.A. (CCNY/CUNY) , Ph.D. (Fordham University) and hold Educational Administrative certification from NY and NJ. He has been visiting professor at several European universities in Austria, England, Germany, Czech Republic, and Poland, while at the University of Vienna he was Fulbright Professor (1990) . In 1989 he was awarded an Honorary Fellow at the South Bank University (London, England) . In recognition of his outstanding teaching, the City College Alumni Association named him Educator of the Year in 1994, and in 2009. New York City had the day, May 1, 1994, named in his honor by the President of the New York City Council. In 1994, he was also awarded the Grand Medal of Honor from the Republic of Austria, and in 1999, upon approval of Parliament, the President of the Republic of Austria awarded him the title of University Professor of Austria. In 2003 he was awarded the title of Ehrenbürger (Honorary Fellow) of the Vienna University of Technology, and in 2004 was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Arts and Science, First Class from the President of the Republic of Austria. In 2005 he was inducted into the Hunter College Alumni Hall of Fame, and in 2006 he was awarded the prestigious Townsend Harris Medal by the City College Alumni Association. He was inducted into the New York State Mathematics Educator's Hall of Fame in 2009, and in 2010 he was awarded the coveted Christian-Peter-Beuth Prize in Berlin.He has taken on numerous important leadership positions in mathematics education locally. He was a member of the New York State Education Commissioner's Blue Ribbon Panel on the Math-A Regents Exams, and the Commissioner's Mathematics Standards Committee, which redefined the Standards for New York State, and he also served on the New York City schools Chancellor's Math Advisory Panel.Dr. Posamentier is a leading commentator on educational issues and continues his long-time passion of seeking ways to make mathematics interesting to both teachers, students and the general public - as can be seen from some of his more recent books: Strategy Games to



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