A Mathematician's Apology Paperback – 31 Mar. 2016

This book was written in 1940, and may be regarded by some as an early shot in what became 'The Two Cultures' controversy in the 1950's. Hardy is an academic Mathematician, but one who is deeply aware that his craft, though a deeply practical and effective tool in life at every level, is nonetheless an integral part of the whole intellectual and cultural adventure of humankind. He is insistent that Mathematics is a necessary and a proper part of the Arts as well as of the Science faculties. I am not sure if this book is addressed to would-be scientists to encourage them to see depths and aspects of their subject to which they need to be sensitive if they are to be able usefully to converse with their Arts associates; or if it is written to Artists to help them see the aesthetic and philosophic contribution to Western culture which Mathematics makes. Though on reflection the title of the book 'A Mathematician's Apology' immediately marks the volume out to have been offered as a modern day descendant of Plato's Apology, which is not Plato's attempt to say sorry to somebody whom he has offended, but to be a reasoned case presented to a court of law as a defence against a crime of which he believes himself not to be guilty. The assumption in the Hardy's reasoning is that Arts students are being addressed, and it is the author's hope that they will be able to perceive the intellectual\l richness of the mathematical enterprise, and come to cherish it as truly a necessary part of a rounded education. The way in which Hardy presents and develops his argument is to present certain aspects of very basic mathematical thinking which lie (unknown to many readers) at the heart of human intellectual development from Classical times onwards. Though a slim book of 73 pages, it will invite the careful reader back into itself, and then outward again to venture along new lines of contemplation. The Mathematics dealt with are in themselves pieces of work which can be comprehended by people with little technical knowledge at their finger tips, but which will require quiet contemplation to be followed and understood for the writer's argument is to be properly heard. Cultural historians will find this an illuminating precursor to the debate brought about by C.P.Snow's 'The Two Cultures' (1959)

It's a bit old and some statements about the applicability of certain fields of mathematics in the book are not actually true anymore. That's of course not the fault of the author since at the time of the writing it probably was true so I know this should not bother me but it does.It is also kinda clear to me that the book is written by a mathematician that is used to build up an argument to a final conclusion. As an engineer, with a passing interest in mathematics, I am would like the result first followed by the argument for it (but this may just be some prejudice on my part).I think this is a must-read for mathematicians and aspiring mathematicians. For the rest of us that understand that there is no field of mathematics that can be deemed as useless it does not feel very important.And that's my $.02

Say what you will about Hardy's writings, this edition is full of typos and the presentation does no justice to this, or any book for that matter. Note that I am placing my critisism on the (plausible) assumption that the original edition does not contain such typos (or at least not to this extent).

An interesting book, although Hardy's views are somewhat idiosyncratic but then he could not have foreseen the rise of the digital age or the need for security coding (where prime numbers are very important). Unfortunately this edition contains a number of annoying typographic errors, which means that some parts have to be read carefully & reinterpreted.

My all time close to heart book, average quality of pages, printing and binding, without any title cover, hence 3 stars

This is an interesting little book, quite easy to read and understand, and not over long.

THIA IS A WELL KNOWN BOOK ON MATHS

Still perusing