Remembering Sofya Kovalevskaya [Hardcover]

Sofia Kovalevskaya was a brilliant and determined young Russian woman of the 19th century who wanted to become a mathematician and who succeeded, in often difficult circumstances, in becoming arguably the first woman to have a professional university career in the way we understand it today. This memoir, written by a mathematician who specialises in symplectic geometry and integrable systems, is a personal exploration of the life, the writings and the mathematical achievements of a remarkable woman. It emphasises the originality of Kovalevskayas work and assesses her legacy and reputation as a mathematician and scientist. Her ideas are explained in a way that is accessible to a general audience, with diagrams, marginal notes and commentary to help explain the mathematical concepts and provide context.This fascinating book, which also examines Kovalevskayas love of literature, will be of interest to historians looking for a treatment of the mathematics, and those doing feminist or gender studies.This is a personal exploration of the life, the writings and the mathematical achievements of a remarkable 19th century woman; the book emphasizes the originality of Kovalevskayas work and assesses her legacy and reputation as a mathematician and scientist.

Sofyas chronology.- Sofyas names.- Stories.- The thesis of Sofya, the CauchyKovalevskaya theorem.- The Solid.- A letter to Mittag-Leffler.- Stockholm.- A letter to Vollmar.- The Bordin prize and Sofyas reputation.- The women of Men of mathematics.- I remember Sofya, by George, G?sta, Julia and all the rest.- I too remember Sofya.- Bibliography.

From the book reviews:

For those who have already read one or two of the numerous biographies, Audins portrayal can serve as a valuable addition and a stimulus to rethink opinions already formed. Moreover, for scholars conducting research on Kovalevskaya, the multifaceted potpourri presented in this book will rals3