Skip to content

Prime Obsession

Prime Obsession

Bernhard Riemann and the Greatest Unsolved Problem in Mathematics
Mathematics
Pages
448
Published
2003
Language
English

Genres

Mathematics

About the author

J
John Derbyshire

John Derbyshire is a British-born American paleoconservative political commentator, writer, journalist and computer programmer. He formerly wrote a column in National Review before moving to a staff position at the white nationalist website VDARE, where he continues to work. --Wikipedia

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Prime Obsession require advanced math knowledge?

    While the book delves into the Riemann Hypothesis, John Derbyshire structures it to be accessible to readers with a general interest in mathematics, explaining complex concepts clearly without assuming a deep background in calculus or number theory. It balances biographical narrative with mathematical exposition, making it engaging for those curious about the history and ideas behind the problem.

  • How does Prime Obsession relate to other math popularizations?

    Prime Obsession stands out by focusing intensely on a single, profound unsolved problem in mathematics, the Riemann Hypothesis, rather than surveying a broad range of mathematical topics. It interweaves the historical development of the problem with the life of Bernhard Riemann, offering a more narrative-driven approach than many other popular science books.