The Random Walks of George Polya (Spectrum) by George Pólya (PDF)

Description

George Pólya was one of the giants of classical analysis in the 20th century, and the influence of his work can be seen far beyond analysis, into number theory, geometry, probability and combinatorics. This book serves both as a biography of Pólya’s life, and a review of his many mathematical achievements by experts from a wide range of different fields. Last but not least the book finishes with two essays by Pólya himself which focus on how to learn to solve problems, a subject with which he was fascinated throughout his life.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Book Description One of the giants of classical analysis in the 20th century, George Pólya had a temendous influence on the state of mathematics today. This book serves both as a biography of Pólya’s life, and a review of his many mathematical achievements by experts from a wide range of different fields. About the Author Gerald L. Alexanderson is the Valeriote Professor of Science at Santa Clara University where he has been chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science since 1967. As a student at Stanford University he worked with George Polya and remained a friend of Polya and his wife for the next thirty or so years. Alexanderson has been President of the Mathematical Association of America and prior to that served for seven years as Secretary of the MAA. He has written numerous articles on mathematics and mathematicians and has coauthored or coedited a dozen books in the field. From 1986 to 1990 he served as editor of “Mathematics Magazine.”

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

⭐This is a carefully documented and lovingly written biography of one of the great names of 20th Century mathematics. The author, Alexanderson, is himself a highly accomplished mathematician, and he was a close friend of Polya; together they co-authored a paper in 1971. There are lots of interesting photographs, and light hearted anecdotes. The text is only 163 pages long. But as well there are 14 appendices. These include 7 summaries of different aspects of Polya’s work, written by experts. There is also 4 papers by Polya of general interest. A lot of care has gone into this book. The production quality is very high, and it has nice glossy paper. A very nice book!

⭐The book is very well written and excellently illustrated. The tone is friendly. The anecdotes are great.

⭐Even if you aren’t in math, I think you are likely to be caught up in the drama of George Polya and the various lives, the times, and the events that he touched. The writing is fast paced and engaging, much like that of Constance Reid’s books: “Hilbert”, or “Courant”… Through its appendices [by K.L. Chung, R. P. Boas, M. M. Schiffer…], this lovely book further gives you some insight into the math that underlies the stories. Other characters in the book: G. Szego, L. Fejer, J von Neumann, G. H. Hardy, H. Weyl, E. Landau, …Through the book, the reader gets to experience the tumultous historical period that spans the long career of G. Polya: His life includes the main centers of science and math in Europe in the Golden period between the two World Wars. The second part is Polya’s life of teaching and research in the US, at Stanford University. I was a guest at Polya’s ninetieths birthday. It has been said that mathematicians have been more likely than others to have been uprooted in the upheavals of history, perhaps because they are concerned with theories and ideas that are more universal.

⭐bit over priced for what it is.

⭐

Keywords

Free Download The Random Walks of George Polya (Spectrum) in PDF format
The Random Walks of George Polya (Spectrum) PDF Free Download
Download The Random Walks of George Polya (Spectrum) 2000 PDF Free
The Random Walks of George Polya (Spectrum) 2000 PDF Free Download
Download The Random Walks of George Polya (Spectrum) PDF
Free Download Ebook The Random Walks of George Polya (Spectrum)