{"id":11,"date":"2016-06-12T21:28:12","date_gmt":"2016-06-13T01:28:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.ams.org\/bookends\/?p=11"},"modified":"2016-06-12T21:28:12","modified_gmt":"2016-06-13T01:28:12","slug":"why-books","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ams.org\/amathematicalword\/2016\/06\/12\/why-books\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Books?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The purpose of this blog is to start a conversation about math books.\u00a0\u00a0 What makes a math book useful, important, timely, a pleasure to read?\u00a0 How do books influence and shape mathematics? How does\/should evolving technology change how we access books and use them in teaching and research?\u00a0\u00a0 When (if ever) is the right time in a mathematician\u2019s career to write a book?<\/p>\n

When I first thought about working at the AMS book program a little less than two years ago, I asked myself: why books? The usual thoughts ran through my mind. Who has the time to write them or even read them these days? The returns for the incredible time and effort required to complete a polished book don\u2019t seem worth it for the active mathematician who is proving new theorems in the precious times between organizing or speaking at seminars and conferences, attending or chairing department meetings, and of course teaching. Students and researchers can get up-to-date information quickly and easily through web searches, and pdf files posted online, making books seem superfluous. Mathematical output in the form of new research articles published count for more to university administrators than do books authored.<\/p>\n

Yet my doubts about the value of books quickly dissipate as soon as I am in a room surrounded by them. One cannot help but be impressed by the wealth of knowledge and endeavor contained in a well-written and well-edited book.\u00a0 Books contain glimpses into the mind and thought processes of the mathematicians we admire and the beautiful mathematics that they bring to light.\u00a0 I am reminded of what an important role textbooks play in drawing one in and opening one\u2019s eyes to new worlds and language, teaching through thoughtful presentations and familiarizing through well-chosen examples and exercises. Research monographs are another form that appeal to me because they have the space, which journal articles don\u2019t, for setting the stage for its subject. The voice of the writer can lead one through a mathematical journey through a rich landscape of ideas.<\/p>\n

The worth of a mathematician\u2019s career is often measured in the short-term by the theorems they were the first to prove, and the number of papers they publish in the best journals, but the long-term importance of a career may also be measured by the influence the mathematician had over the development of their field. This includes inviting students into the subject, giving the subject a clear place within larger movements in mathematics, and giving others glimpses into the future and the inspiration to carry the work forward. Books are convenient vehicles for this purpose: filling the gap when personal contact with the leaders of mathematics is not available, or supplementing when it is. In this way, books have the potential to resonate in unpredictable corners of the world long after they are written.<\/p>\n

What do you value in books?\u00a0\u00a0 What role do they play in your research and teaching?\u00a0 I invite you, the reader, to share your answers by commenting on this blog.\u00a0 Suggestions for topics and contributed posts are also welcome.<\/p>\n

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Polynomial Methods in Combinatorics, by Larry Guth <\/a><\/p>\n

\"ulect-64-cov\"This book reaches across disciplines, is accessible, and\u00a0the\u00a0ideas\u00a0are the kind that one likes\u00a0to have in one’s problem solving arsenal (read more about this book).<\/a><\/p>\n

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How to use this blog:<\/p>\n

Comments and Suggested Topics: <\/strong>Please send comments and blog topic ideas using the comment entry form below.<\/p>\n

Featured books:<\/strong> There will be a section at the end of each blog featuring a book (does not have to be an AMS book).\u00a0 Your suggestions are very welcome!\u00a0 Please include a short explanation of why you think the book is special, and epitomizes what math books are good for.<\/p>\n

AMS Blog Policy:<\/strong>\u00a0 This blog will not include discussion of publishing practices, book or journal prices, or other matters of business or administration.\u00a0\u00a0 Comments will be vetted accordingly.<\/p>\n

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The purpose of this blog is to start a conversation about math books.\u00a0\u00a0 What makes a math book useful, important, timely, a pleasure to read?\u00a0 How do books influence and shape mathematics? How does\/should evolving technology change how we access … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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