Does not cover CS | John von Neumann: Selected Letters (History of Mathematics)

book: John von Neumann: Selected Letters (History of Mathematics) | Miklós Rédei

books:


	• John von Neumann: Selected Letters (History of Mathematics) Miklós Rédei American Mathematical Society, London Mathematical Society, 2005 - 301 pages average customer review:based on 2 reviews view larger image
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Insight into the Thinking of a Renaissance Man

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.

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Does not cover CS

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 the work of W. Aspray. 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 John von Neumann and the Origins of Modern Computing (History of Computing) instead.

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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.

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