Fermat’s Last Theorem
by Amir D. Aczel: Earlier this year I read a book by the same title by Simon Singh, and unfortunately it is the superior read. Both are about the steps leading to Andrew Wile’s 1993 solution to Fermat’s Last Theorem, from ancient Greece on. At less than 140 pages, this tiny volume does not do the story justice. I have a decent math background, but I found myself getting lost in places, and the intrigue simply didn’t grab me like it did in Singh’s book. If you’re in a hurry and just want a bare bones account of the history behind Fermat’s Last Theorem, this will do, but if you want the whole story, go straight to Simon Singh.
Also posted on BookCrossing.
I love these kind of history of science/math type books. Thanks for the review but I think I’ll take your advice and go for the Singh book.
I just picked this one up. I prefer shorter titles when it comes to math/science, but unduly short isn’t a good thing. I’ll see what I think of it.