Abel's Proof: An Essay on the Sources and Meaning of Mathematical Unsolvability

By Peter Pesic

Book Overview

In 1824 a young Norwegian named Niels Henrik Abel proved conclusively that algebraic equations of the fifth order are not solvable in radicals. In this work, Peter Pesic shows what an important event this was in the history of thought. He also presents it as a remarkable human story. Abel was 21 when he self-published his proof, and he died five years later, poor and depressed, just before it started to receive wide acclaim. Abel's attempts to reach out to the mathematical elite of the day had been spurned, and he was unable to find a position that would allow him to work in peace and marry his fianc e.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0262162164
• ISBN13: 9780262162166
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Mit Pr
• Length: 213 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.8" x 5.8"