Fermat's Last Theorem

Author: Simon Singh

Genre: popular science, mathematics

This book describes the journey of mathematicians in the quest to find the answer to one of most difficult problems in mathematics. Fermat’s last theorem is a problem that even a school boy can understand but its proof eluded mathematicians for 350 years before Wiles finally got it.

The book begins right at the beginning, with Pythagoras and how he revolutionised mathematics by using logic to prove theorems and then moving on to creator of the problem himself- Pierre de Fermat. Simon Singh then goes on to describe all the different mathematicians that went on to tackle the problem, failed but eventually they contributed something relevant to mathematics. In addition he also talks about some others who did not tackle the problem directly but whos ideas definitely got others one step closer towards the goal. Finally, it ends with Andrew Wiles and his single-minded, seven year long effort to fulfill his life long dream. More than the mathematics, the book is about the people and their passions for mathematics. Singh has beautifully portrayed the many mathematicians in the book; theirs struggles, their emotions, making this book an excellent chronicle. The history of mathematics is as colorful as any other.

The thing I liked best about the book is that the author was able to outline the mathematical ideas and their importance without going into the details and keeping it simple. I was easily able to follow through the maths of the time. The appendices were fun as they contained answers to some of the easier problems. The writing style is captivating which made this book a page turner for me.

I would recommend it to any science lover. However, don’t expect a lot of maths if that’s what you’re looking for.