I Want to Be a Mathematician: An Automathography

Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Science & Math

Mathematician Paul Halmos tells the story of his life and career in mathematics, from his student days to decades of research and teaching. Halmos describes how he learned mathematics, the people he worked with, including John von Neumann, and what it was like to write papers, teach classes, edit journals and serve on committees. Opinionated and funny, the book is also full of advice about how to do research, write clearly and lecture well.

Recommended by 1 person

• Paul Graham: “I bought Halmos's book on your recommendation, and it's fabulous, probably the best book I've read this year.”