Euler: The Master of Us All

A wonderful book that samples Euler’s work in several areas of mathematics. This is not a traditional biography focusing on Euler’s life, but rather a tour through a small portion of Euler’s amazing work. A first year course in Calculus would be helpful, but most of the mathematics can be followed with a college level algebra class. Each chapter covers several of Euler’s most impressive contributions to a specific branch of mathematics. While Euler contributed to every major area of the mathematics of his time, this book limits itself to eight (Number Theory, Logarithms, Infinite Series, Analytic Number Theory, Complex Variables, Algebra, Geometry, and Combinatorics). The chapters begin with a brief background of the area before show more Euler, then describe Euler’s contribution, and end with an epilogue that traces Euler’s impact forward in history.

What stands out in this book is how Dunham artfully takes the reader through the mathematics. Proofs are presented in a very approachable way that highlights Euler’s surprising twists and leaps of genius. Unlike the traditional (dry) way that proofs are usually presented, the author stays with you through the proofs, explaining key steps and commenting on Euler’s overall strategy. I was so impressed with how the author pulled this off that I immediately ordered his book “The Calculus Gallery”. show less

I completely enjoyed this book. Beautiful mathematics exquisitely presented. Provocative discussion of deeper meaning of theorem and the creative development of conceptual ideas.

Professor William Dunham writes about one of the greatest mathematicians who has lived. Leonhard Euler (pronounced "oiler" or "OILa") lived from 1707 to 1783 and produced a massive volume of papers and books on mathematics, physics, and other subjects. His influence on mathematics is incalculable and considerd by modern mathematicians as one of the greatest minds ever. This work is one in a series that was chartered by the American Mathematical Association with the purpose of "furthering the ideal of execellence in mathematical exposition". This book provides the student of mathematics an appreciation of the man behind the math and some good exercises in the math itself. It also gives those with more general interest an appreciation of show more the mind of a great thinker whose works fundamentally influence great thinkers today.

This book is not, and is not meant to be, anything close to a biography or even a history. Dunham clearly wants the reader to develop a reverant appreciation for the man who almost single-handedly pushed math into the modern era. He allows one to glimpse, in less than 200 pages, the works that are still to this day being published in what will likely be 25,000+ pages (those actually written by Euler).

Get your pencil and paper and follow along with this one. You will get an inkling of the way one of the great minds worked, and you might even learn some math! show less

Need A level maths to follow this excellent book about Euler and his maths. What a guy!

Reading Euler's story is inspiring!