With diagrams. Loosely inserted handwritten letter by Julian Havil to Nick Lord thanking him for his positive opinion of the book. Some pages with neat pencilled mathematical annotations in the hand of Nick Lord. Light wear to spine, covers, corners & dustjacket. ; Octavo; xxiv, 266 pages.

Seller Inventory # LCH48146

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: Gamma Exploring Euler's Constant
Publisher: Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey
Publication Date: 2003
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0691099839
ISBN 13: 9780691099835
Binding: Original cloth
Edition: First Edition.
Condition: Very Good+
Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine dust

About this title

Synopsis

Among the many constants that appear in mathematics, π, e, and i are the most familiar. Following closely behind is y, or gamma, a constant that arises in many mathematical areas yet maintains a profound sense of mystery.

In a tantalizing blend of history and mathematics, Julian Havil takes the reader on a journey through logarithms and the harmonic series, the two defining elements of gamma, toward the first account of gamma's place in mathematics.

Introduced by the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), who figures prominently in this book, gamma is defined as the limit of the sum of 1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + . . . Up to 1/n, minus the natural logarithm of n--the numerical value being 0.5772156. . . . But unlike its more celebrated colleagues π and e, the exact nature of gamma remains a mystery--we don't even know if gamma can be expressed as a fraction.

Among the numerous topics that arise during this historical odyssey into fundamental mathematical ideas are the Prime Number Theorem and the most important open problem in mathematics today--the Riemann Hypothesis (though no proof of either is offered!).

Sure to be popular with not only students and instructors but all math aficionados, Gamma takes us through countries, centuries, lives, and works, unfolding along the way the stories of some remarkable mathematics from some remarkable mathematicians.

About the Author

Julian Havil is a retired former master at Winchester College, England, where he taught mathematics for thirty-three years. He received a Ph.D. in mathematics from Oxford University. Freeman Dyson is professor emeritus of physics at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. He is the author of several books, including Disturbing the Universe and Origins of Life.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Please come visit our shop in Machynlleth or browse our stock online. We carry a wide range of academic books on all subjects, such as history, philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, mathematics, physics, geography, political science, political philosophy, religious studies, military history and many other subjects. We also carry antiquarian stock and general stock, especially cookery. We are always interested in collections, especially on academic subjects.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Literary Cat Books
United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All orders of 50 pounds and higher will be shipped with mandatory insurance added.

We make every effort to describe each book or print accurately. However, we accept that an item might not prove to be as you expected it, or has been damaged in transport. We therefore accept returns within 14 days of receipt of the item, upon prior notification. We will provide a full refund upon receipt of the returned item by us.

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2/3 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know if extra shipping is required.

Overseas postage will be sent by airmail if you select priority and surface if you select standard postage. Surface mail to the United States or Canada can take up to six weeks, and up to twelve weeks to Australia and New Zealand.

We use only good quality materials and the utmost care when packaging our books to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.

In the unlikely event that your book does not arrive within the specified shipping period, please feel free to contact us direct. Please provide your name, address and the details of your order.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	30 to 50 business days	5 to 10 business days
First item	US$ 19.04	US$ 24.48

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.