A Mathematician's Scrapbook: Highlights and Surprises from Across a Career

In studying mathematics, one can encounter surprises, whether in results that seem astonishing or in proofs that lead down unexpected paths. Over his career, the author came across many such gems. This book includes his favorites and invites readers to experience the same sense of wonder they inspired in him. Here are results about number theory, Euclidean geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and infinite series, with stories from the history of mathematics added to the mix. There are theorems from such masters as Euler, Newton, and Ramanujan, while some lesser known mathematicians get their moments in the spotlight. Although the author does not avoid technical details, his narrative style makes the book accessible to anyone with an interest in mathematics. “[This book] is irresistibly fun. It has everything you’d expect from Dunham: delightful math and charming stories, all delivered with his trademark clarity, wit, and enthusiasm.” - Steven Strogatz, Cornell University, and author of Inf