A Primer Mathematical Writing

by Steven G. Krantz

This book is about writing in the professional mathematical environment. There are few people equal to this task, yet Steven Krantz is one who qualifies. While the book is nominally about writing, it is also about how to function in the mathematical profession. Krantz has produced a quality work which makes evident the power and significance of writing in the mathematical profession.

Genres: Mathematics

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

Reviews

[Quiver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, accessible, and relevant especially in the earlier chapters (and despite referring to Window 95 later on).

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more "technical" advice might be out of date, as the book was written about 20 years ago, but the bottom line is still valid today.

[Alex Santoyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit outdated, but it has very good pointers and good advises about how to write math. I strongly recommend it for PhD students as well as the Halmos “how to write mathematics”.

[Francesca Fernandes · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book = "how to not be a terrible writer" with some math flavor sprinkled in. (But, when he did sprinkle in the math flavor, it was very interesting! but rare)

"be brief" - yeah no shit sherlock. it seems as if his intended audience is entirely mathematicians who have never really tried to write anything in their lives; yeah then i could see how reminding them to "be brief" and use the proper verbs with subjects could be helpful. but for the rest of us—which is probably most mathematicians anyways; how could you be a successful mathematician with such poor communication skills LMAO—we don't need a whole regurgitated lecture from early high school English.

[Hamidah Oderinwale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written and I would recommend to anyone writing something vaguely scholarly. It was published in 1996 before the academic world really went online. This makes his takes on TeX and word processors interesting. He breaks down the different kinds of writing you might do including types beyond the traditional research paper like surveys, letters of recommendation and even email. I learned that I should try using a word counter to see which words I'm overusing. He also instructs any writers to over their work six times.

[Victo Dolean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for scientific writing in general (with a mathematical flavour) despite some parts of the content being a bit outdated.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was ever a book that could make or break a career in mathematics, this is it. Without exception all mathematicians must at some time put coherent thoughts together to communicate. And the quality of that correspondence does sometimes differentiate between success and failure. We all will write at least a resume, vita and cover letter for a job application. While there do exist companies that can aid in the writing, it would be a rare one indeed that could tell you which of your math skills to put the stress on. All modern forms of communication between mathematicians is covered. From the traditional mathematical traits of writing theorems with proofs to TEX and e-mail collaboration.
From the book, it is clear that the author has a devilish sense of humor. When giving examples of proper writing, he combines the use of public names with others that are partial and creates some delightful and descriptive attributes. The sample vita is an absolute scream, although you have to be a bit older to appreciate it. Some of it is given below with reviewer comments in parentheses.

Curriculum Vitae for
Clemson Ataturk Kadiddlehopper
( The Red Skelton character that was a bum.)
Home address: 17 Poverty Row, Faculty Ghetto, Iowa 50011
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Honors: Neural Sediment Fibration Graduate Fellow. 1971-1974.
( The character was bald. )
Visiting Professor, Callipygean Institute of Tectonics, 1977.
Shinola Fellow, College of Good Hair, 1979.
Visiting Professor, Upper College of Lower Academics, 1980.
Visiting Professor, University of Basic Bourgeoisie, 1986.
Visiting Professor, Hahvahd University, 1986.
Honorary Lecturer, Crab Louie College, 1987.

Names used, created or combined come from all areas of human endeavor and history. And you have to be on your toes to catch them all. It sometimes took this reviewer more than one pass to catch the complete subtlety of the joke. Names such as Mergetroyd Mittelschlachenmeyer, Ayatollah Hohenzolern, Fig Newton, Iphiginea Mandelbrooski and Imelda Rasputin are works of a comedic expert. And, lines like,

"In order to test her creative abilities, I have given Georgina Spelvin extra work outside of class."

"Would you tenure Marilyn Chambers in your department?"

"If you are asked whether Hypatia Lee should be tenured, or promoted, or given a certain post, . . ."

are some that this reviewer would never have thought would appear in a serious work. (All are porn actresses.)
This is easily the funniest, serious book that I have ever read.

This review appears on Amazon

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide on mathematical writing style. There is a lot to think about here, both for your own writing and for passing on to students.