Why read Prime Obsession?

Book cover of Prime Obsession: Berhhard Riemann and the Greatest Unsolved Problem in Mathematics

Book description

The definitive story of the Riemann Hypothesis, a fascinating and epic mathematical mystery that continues to challege the world.

In 1859, Bernhard Riemann, a little-known thirty-two year old mathematician, made a hypothesis while presenting a paper to the Berlin Academy titled “On the Number of Prime Numbers Less Than a…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Prime Obsession as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Thomas A. Garrity

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Most mathematicians believe that the Riemann Hypothesis is the most important open question in mathematics, including me. But it is almost impossible to explain why this is such a central concern. This book is one of the attempts to explain to the non-mathematician why the Riemann Hypothesis is so important. As a partial spoiler alert, it has to do with the nature of prime numbers, which in part explains the title. It is not a book to read in one sitting, but it with a little work is great for seeing, at least in part, the big picture.

From Thomas' list on The best books for mathematical inspiration.