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
Waiting for Godot
Sailing Alone Around The World
How to Change Your Mind
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Kindly Inquisitors
A Sense of Where You Are
Bringing Down The House
Lucky Me
Why Does College Cost So Much?
Ishmael
Failing Forward
Electrify
100 Deadly Skills
The Bonfire of the Vanities
The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity
Slow Sex
Leonardo Da Vinci
Civilian Warriors
Einstein's Dreams
To Rule the Waves
Startup
The Order of Time
The Clash of the Cultures
With All Due Respect
Eating Animals
Fleishman Is In Trouble
Catherine the Great
Replay
Presidents of War
Brave Enough
The New Market Wizards
Judgment in Managerial Decision Making
Harvesting the Biosphere
A Shot To Save The World
Growth IQ
Justice on Trial
Swallows and Amazons
The Soul of A New Machine
Hate Inc.
Competing in the Age of AI
Sleep in Art
How Companies Win
Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant
Hamlet
The New Atlantis
Rebooting AI
Why Globalization Works
Expectations Investing
Brave New World
Behind the Cloud
The Kitchen Cookbook
Knowledge and The Wealth of Nations
Memoirs of My Life
Traction
Team Topologies
Man's Search for Meaning
Little Leaders
The Artist's Way
Investment Biker
Learned Optimism
The Battle of Alcazar
How To Win at the Sport of Business
Uncommon Measure
The Jewish Century
The Psychology of Achievement
Birth of a Theorem
A Mathematician's Apology
No Future Without Forgiveness
The Meaning of Human Existence
Global Crisis
A Mind At Play
Get Smarter: Life and Business Lessons
Life Ascending
The Gay Science
Anti Americanism
Founding Sales
The Ancient City
Consciousness
The Emotionally Intelligent Investor
Blueprint
Michael Jordan
Lying
The Player of Games
Mindware
Enlightenment Now
Mess
Waking Up
Black Edge
As I Lay Dying
Lake Success
The Supermen
Probability, Random Variables and Stochastic Processes
The Underdog Founder
Guns, Germs, and Steel
The Power of Habit
Lone Survivor
Life Is What You Make It
Calculus Made Easy
Good To Great
The One Thing