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
Deep Simplicity
The Storm of Steel
Fundamentals of Plasma Physics
The Power of Now
Political Tribes
Tools and Weapons
Lean In
Security Analysis
The Creative Society
The Coming Wave
Competing Against Time
Napoleon
Portraits of Interiors
How Buildings Learn
The Rise and Fall of the British Empire
English Culture and the Decline of the Industrial Spirit, 1850-1980
Hiroshima
The Enchiridion
Hagakure
Our Final Invention
Defend The Border and Save Lives
The Letters of William Godwin
Illusions
Where Is My Flying Car?
The Spiritual Brain
Kindly Inquisitors
The Power of Glamour
Between The World And Me
In Patagonia
A Splendid Exchange
Follow The Money
The Fever
The Invention of Air
The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World
Don't Make Me Think
The Diversity Bonus
The Seventh Sense
Against The Gods
Anthropic Bias
The Soul of the World
Shaping the Future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Les Miserables
A History of Western Technology
Saving Capitalism from Short Termism
I Seem To Be A Verb
The Essential Writings
How to Teach Your Baby Math
Technically Food
My Family and Other Animals
Dataclysm
Powers of Two
Empire
The Book of Nothing
Grass Productivity
Out of Mao's Shadow
Amazon Unbound
Democracy In America
Blood and Thunder
Second Foundation
Mandela's Way
Thinking Physics
Take On The Street
Be the Person You Want to Find
Humans Need Not Apply
The Unquiet Grave
The Ride of a Lifetime
When Money Dies
Troubled
Best Evidence
How to Dress an Egg
The Social Photo
The Light Of Other Days
The Jungle
Eisenhower in War and Peace
The Economics of Microfinance
The Road to Character
Founding Brothers
Free The Animal
In FED We Trust
Rise of the Machines
Over the Edge of the World
The City In History
Democracy: The God That Failed
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Facing Codependence
Stalin's War
We Are The Nerds
Work Rules!
Inside The House of Money
Blitzscaling
The River War
Tuxedo Park
The Silk Roads
A Higher Loyalty
The Advantage
Total Freedom
Hornblower Saga
Code
The Master and Margarita
Survival to Thrival