What do you think?
Rate this book
616 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 1997
My book will no doubt be flawed in many ways of which I am not yet aware, but there is one "sin" that I have intentionally committed, and for which I shall not repent: many of the arguments are not rigorous, at least as they stand. This is a serious crime if one believes that our mathematical theories are merely elaborate mental constructs, precariously hoisted aloft. Then rigour becomes the nerve-racking balancing act that prevents the entire structure from crashing down around us. But suppose one believes, as I do, that our mathematical theories are attempting to capture aspects of a robust Platonic world that is not of our making. I would then contend that an initial lack of rigour is a small price to pay if it allows the reader to see into this world more directly and pleasurably than would otherwise be possible."If you've only seen traditional complex analysis textbooks, this style of exposition will come as quite the revelation. Needham really does a great job of it. I'd love to see future editions in 'e-book' style with animated/interactive versions of some of the diagrams in text (put it on an iPad and integrate w/ f(z)!)