The Honors Class: Hilbert's Problems and Their Solvers

About this book

This eminently readable book focuses on the people of mathematics and draws the reader into their fascinating world. In a monumental address given to the International Congress of Mathematicians in Paris in 1900 David Hilbert perhaps the most respected mathematician of his time developed a blueprint for mathematical research in the new century. Jokingly called a natural introduction to thesis writing with examples this collection of problems has indeed become a guiding inspiration to many mathematicians and those who succeeded in solving or advancing their solutions form an Honors Class among research mathematicians of this century. In a remarkable labor of love and with the support of many of the major players in the field Ben Yandell has written a fascinating account of the achievements of this Honors Class covering mathematical substance and biographical aspects.