Fermat's Enigma

The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem

Simon Singh

Recommended By

Book Reviews

One of three books Chamath Palihapitiya tells new graduates to read.

Book Synopsis

"Fermat's Enigma" by Simon Singh is a gripping account of the world's most notorious mathematical puzzle. This true story unravels the mystery behind Fermat's Last Theorem, a theorem that stumped mathematicians for over 350 years. Singh takes readers on a journey through history, exploring the lives of the brilliant minds who grappled with the theorem’s enigmatic proof. From mathematical prodigies to famous mathematicians like Pierre de Fermat and Andrew Wiles, the book highlights their tireless efforts to uncover the elusive solution.

With accessible explanations, Singh delves into the complexities of number theory and its profound implications. Weaving together anecdotes and historical narratives, he presents the challenges faced by mathematicians throughout the centuries. Despite countless failed attempts, the question mark hanging over Fermat's theorem persisted, capturing the interest of countless enthusiasts, including the author himself.

The book chronicles Wiles' personal quest to crack the problem, which consumed his life for seven years. Singh guides readers through the intricate steps of Wiles' proof, revealing the immense dedication and brilliance required to achieve such a feat. The story culminates in a historic moment that resounded throughout the mathematical community, marking the end of centuries of speculation and the triumphant vindication of one of mathematics' most captivating riddles.

"Fermat's Enigma" offers a captivating blend of history, biography, and mathematical discovery. Simon Singh's engaging narrative style makes this complex topic accessible to all readers, even those without a mathematical background. Through this remarkable tale, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the beauty, challenges, and significance of mathematics, providing an illuminating perspective on the world of numbers and the enduring enigma that captured generations of mathematicians.

Explore More Books

See All
The Seat of the Soul
If I Could Tell You Just One Thing
I Want To Be A Mathematician
Call Me by Your Name
A Timeless Way of Building
Self-Made Success
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Hackers
The Soul of the World
Drawing Life
Natural
The Jewish Century
Too Big to Fail
The Brand Flip
Business Adventures
The Fall
Bad News
The Blazing World
Nobody Wants To Read Your Sh*t
Lessons
In the Heart of the Sea
The New Leadership Literacies
Humans Need Not Apply
No Bull
Without a Doubt
The Pattern Seekers
Walk in Their Shoes
This Time Is Different
The Forgotten Man
Heaven on Earth
Return to the Little Kingdom
Slugfest
Meditations
Law, Legislation, and Liberty
The Black Swan
The Player of Games
The Science of Liberty
Oh, The Place You’ll Go
The Innovator’s Solution
Ready Player One
Finite and Infinite Games
The Trial of Socrates
For A New Liberty
Permutation City
Permaculture: A Designer's Manual
The Elements of Style
Sapiens
The Hydrogen Sonata
In Cold Blood
The Invisible Gorilla
The Parasitic Mind
Bitcoin
BLITZ
Win Bigly
Revolution in The Valley
Job Stacking
Goethe’s Poems and Aphorisms
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
The Fry Chronicles
The Hard Thing About Hard Things
Zucked
Friday Forward
The Pleasure of Finding Things Out
The Silk Roads
Talking to Strangers
When The Wolves Bite
Turn the Ship Around!
Concorde
Poor Economics
Algorithms to Live By
Empire
Leading Without Authority
The Muqaddimah
Play It Away
The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World
Blackout
Where are the Customers Yachts
Capital In The 21st Century
The Cancer Code
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
The New Market Wizards
Happy Accidents
Homo Deus
Breath From Salt
Neuromancer
The Paleo Solution
Fahrenheit 451
American Nations
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
On The Move
The Method Method
The Blind Watchmaker
Andy Goldsworthy
Merchants of Truth
Grass Farmers
Billy Martin
White Fragility
Energy
Unsavory Truth
Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln