John von Neumann: Selected Letters by John von Neumann (PDF)

Description

John von Neumann was perhaps the most influential mathematician of the twentieth century. Not only did he contribute to almost all branches of mathematics, he created new fields and was a pioneering influence in the development of computer science. During and after World War II, he was a much sought-after technical advisor. He served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee at the Ballistic Research Laboratories, the Navy Bureau of Ordinance, and the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project. He was a consultant to the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and was appointed by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the Atomic Energy Commission. He received the Albert Einstein Commemorative Award, the Enrico Fermi Award, and the Medal of Freedom. This collection of about 150 of von Neumann’s letters to colleagues, friends, government officials, and others illustrates both his brilliance and his strong sense of responsibility. It is the first substantial collection of his letters, giving a rare inside glimpse of his thinking on mathematics, physics, computer science, science management, education, consulting, politics, and war. With an introductory chapter describing the many aspects of von Neumann’s scientific, political, and social activities, this book makes great reading. Readers of quite diverse backgrounds will be fascinated by this first-hand look at one of the towering figures of twentieth century science. Also of interest and available from the AMS is John von Neumann: The Scientific Genius Who Pioneered the Modern Computer, Game Theory, Nuclear Deterrence, and Much More and Invariant Measures. Copublished with the London Mathematical Society beginning with Volume 4. Members of the LMS may order directly from the AMS at the AMS member price. The LMS is registered with the Charity Commissioners.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review …this will be an enduring reference book …delivers an impressive sampling of the breadth and influence of von Neumann’s work. –Notices of the American Mathematical SocietyThis selection of letters by the great mathematician John von Neumann (1903-1957) has been edited with remarkable care and expertise. Nearly all of his letters are published here for the first time. ….The extensive introductory comments by the editor (pp. 1-40) furnish important background information that will prove itself useful, especially for those readers who cannot rely on a thorough knowledge of von Neumann’s seminal contributions to the foundations of mathematics, mathematical logic, quantum mechanics, quantum logic, computer science, and game theory. –Mathematics and Mechanics…this fine volume of selected letters will be of great interest to mathematicians, scientists, educators, and, in particular, those interested in the history of the fields to which John von Neumann contributed so much. –Historia Mathematica

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Von Neumann is one of the most under-celebrated scientists of our modern age. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for the systems he invented, fostered, and cared for. The intensity he writes with is astounding. His personal words ring much more clearly than simple reductions of his body of work. While not complete in any detail, this collection provides the reader with an intimate look into the lives of some of the greatest thinkers of humanity. My only regret is that there is not an encyclopedia devoted to the replies he might have received to his letters!

⭐John von Newman was one of the Renaissance Men of our century. He produced significant contributions in the areas of : Logic, Quantum Mechanics, Economics, Armaments, and Computer Science. As a case in point, the computer you are using to read this is almost certainly one based on von Newmann architecture. His work on the development of atomic weapons was as important as his development of the social concept of Mutually Assured Destruction which was the fundamental precept of the Cold War. Had he lived longer he would almost certainly have received a Nobel Prize in economics for his development of game theory. (He died at age 54, probably because of exposure to radiation.)This book is a compendium of letters that he wrote. It contains letters on many subjects written to a wide collection of people from scientists to plitical leaders, business leaders and declining an invitation to give a speech.In addition to the letters there is a 40 or so page preamble about him as a person and summarizing some of the work that he did. Largely unknown outside the technical areas in which he worked John von Newmann was a towering figure in twentieth century science. This book will not get a wide distribution, but it provides interesting insight into his thinking.

⭐John von Neumann was a brilliant man, making significant contributions to quantum physics and higher mathematics. However, as this book says, “Von Neumann is best known in the general public for his work in computer design. His activity in this field is very well documented in

⭐. Aspray’s book contains quotations from many of von Neumann’s letters concerning computer science; thus the current volume contains just a small selection of von Neumann’s letters related to computers”.If you’re interested in von Neumann as a computer scientist, buy

⭐instead.

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