John Von Neumann

Book excerpt: John von Neumann was perhaps the most influential mathematician of the twentieth century, especially if his broad influence outside mathematics is included. The present volume is the first substantial collection of (previously mainly unpublished) letters written by von Neumann to colleagues, friends, government officials, and others. The letters give us a glimpse of the thinking of John von Neumann about mathematics, physics, computer science, science management, education, consulting, politics, and war. Readers of quite diverse backgrounds will find much of interest in this first-hand look at one of the towering figures of twentieth century science.