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?

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 for mathematical inspiration.

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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

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