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
Models. Behaving. Badly.
The One Sentence Persuasion Course
ANSI Common Lisp
Originals
Bull!
Conquest, Tribute & Trade
The Fountainhead
A Soldier of the Great War
Concentrated Investing
It's Earnings That Count
Being You
A Mathematician's Apology
Restoring Our Republic
The Worlds I See
Ender's Game
The Crisis of Global Capitalism
Second Foundation
The Greatness Mindset
God Emperor of Dune
Active Inference
Philosophy and Scientific Realism
Take Back The Game
Thinking and Deciding
Expert Political Judgement
Bringing Down The House
The Making of a Philosopher
Dance to the Tune of Life
When The Wolves Bite
Work Hard. Be Nice.
Walden
The Attention Merchants
The Smartest Investment Book You'll Ever Read
Capital In The 21st Century
War Nerd
Antifragile
How to Teach Your Baby Math
Moonwalking with Einstein
The Making of Europe
Foundation
Vasistha's Yoga
Programming Bitcoin
Chasing the Light
The Most Important Thing
Call Me by Your Name
Unelected Power
Dreamstate
The Money Game
Born To Run
Bel Canto
The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get
David Foster Wallace
The Quiet American
The Hate U Give
Blood and Thunder
Give and Take
Awakening Joy
The Complete Stories
The Statistical Mechanics of Financial Markets
Bet The Farm
Working in Public
The First Conspiracy
A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories
A Random Walk Down Wall Street
How to Dress an Egg
The Skeptical Environmentalist
The Emotionally Intelligent Investor
The Museum of Other People
The Making of a Manager
Nothing To Lose
How to Be Topp
Lives of the Eminent Philosophers
The Serengeti Rules
The Smartest Guys In The Room
The Holy Grail of Investing
Rise of the Machines
Mess
Once a Warrior
Conflicted
Letters to a Young Scientist
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance?
Emergency
The Truth Machine
Bureaucracy
Globalizing Capital
It's All Too Much
The Craft
All Quiet on the Western Front
Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air
The Most Important Thing Illuminated
The Courage To Be Disliked
McMafia
Growth IQ
Change.edu
Trump
Spain in Our Hearts
The Untethered Soul
Changing Minds
The Wisdom of Crowds
Range