Gamma - Exploring Euler''s Constant

Among the many constants that appear in mathematics, , e, and i are the most familiar. Following closely behind is ,, or gamma, a constant that arises in many mathematical areas yet maintains a profound sense of mystery. In a tantalizing blend of history and mathematics, Julian Havil takes the reader on a journey through logarithms and the harmonic series, the two defining elements of gamma, toward the first account of gamma's place in mathematics.

About the author

Julian Havil is a retired former master at Winchester College, England, where he taught mathematics for thirty-three years. He received a Ph.D. in mathematics from Oxford University. Freeman Dyson is professor emeritus of physics at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. He is the author of several books, including Disturbing the Universe and Origins of Life.

Summary

Among the many constants that appear in mathematics, ?, e, and i are the most familiar. Following closely behind is ?,, or gamma, a constant that arises in many mathematical areas yet maintains a profound sense of mystery. In a tantalizing blend of history and mathematics, Julian Havil takes the reader on a journey through logarithms and the harmon

Additional text

"This book is written in an informal, engaging, and often amusing style. The author takes pains to make the mathematics clear. He writes about the mathematical geniuses of the past with reverence and awe. It is especially nice that the mathematical topics are discussed within a historical context."---Ward R. Stewart, Mathematics Teacher

Report

"[A] wonderful book. . . . Havil's emphasis on historical context and his conversational style make this a pleasure to read. . . . Gamma is a gold mine of irresistible mathematical nuggets. Anyone with a serious interest in maths will find it richly rewarding."--Ben Longstaff, New Scientist

Product details

• Authors: Freeman Dyson, Julian Havil, Julian/ Dyson Havil, Havil Julian
• Assisted by: Freeman Dyson (Foreword), Dyson Freeman (Foreword)
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.12.2017
• EAN: 9780691178103
• ISBN: 978-0-691-17810-3
• No. of pages: 296
• Dimensions: 142 mm x 220 mm x 20 mm
• Series: Princeton Science Library; Princeton Science Library (Pap; Princeton Science Library; Princeton Science Library, 84
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Cultural history; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Mathematics > General, dictionaries; Social sciences, law, business > Political science; History: specific events & topics, popular science, SCIENCE / History, MATHEMATICS / General, MATHEMATICS / History & Philosophy, Mathematics, History of Science, Philosophy of Mathematics, Calculus & mathematical analysis, History of mathematics