Exploring Mathematics: Women Authors in the Field

In summary, the conversation discusses the lack of prominent female authors in the mathematics field and the request for recommendations of books written by women. Some suggestions include books by Mary L. Boas, Stephanie Frank Singer, Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat, Frances Kirwan, Claire Voisin, Leila Schneps, and Helene Esnault. These books cover various topics such as mathematical methods, symmetries in mechanics, and algebraic geometry. The conversation also mentions the importance of having female role models in the field.
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I have a substantial mathematics library. Perusing my collection, however, I noticed that none of the book authors were women. I find the lack of prominent female authors in mathematics to be disturbing, both in my libabrary and in the literature in general. So can any of you recommend me worthwhile books written by women?

BTW, by "book", I don't mean standard lower-division textbooks.
 
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Why does it matter what the gender of the author is...?
 
  • #6
titansowner27 said:
Why does it matter what the gender of the author is...?

How about role models? Not necessarily the OP's motivation, but it's a reason.
 
  • #7
I read an older edition of this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471198269/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (Mary L. Boas' "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences") a long time ago. I found it a very good introductory text, written in a simple, direct way.

(EDIT: I had no idea she had passed away in 2010. RIP Mary - I owe a lot to you, practically my entire grounding in the Calculus of Variations and Lagrangian/Hamiltonian Mechanics).
 
  • #9
The symmetries in mechanics text by Singer is pretty good. We used it as a supplementary text in our symmetries in mechanics course (the material in the course was more advanced mathematically than what is presented in Singer's text but she provides great physical insight considering its an undergrad book).
 
  • #10
Frances Kirwan:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=frances+kirwan&tag=pfamazon01-20Claire Voisin:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=claire+voisin&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aclaire+voisin&tag=pfamazon01-20

Leila Schneps:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...rh=n:283155,k:leila+schneps&tag=pfamazon01-20

Helene Esnault:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...h=n:283155,k:helene+esnault&tag=pfamazon01-20

etc etc...
 
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What is the significance of having math books written by women authors?

Having math books written by women authors provides a diverse perspective and representation in the field of mathematics. It also allows for different teaching styles and methods, catering to a wider audience.

Who are some notable women authors of math books?

Some notable women authors of math books include Maryam Mirzakhani, a Fields Medalist and author of "Hyperbolic Geometry of Complex Networks", and Eugenia Cheng, an educator and author of "How to Bake Pi: An Edible Exploration of the Mathematics of Mathematics".

Are there any specific topics that women authors tend to focus on in their math books?

There is no specific topic that women authors tend to focus on in their math books. Women authors write about a wide range of topics in mathematics, from algebra and geometry to statistics and calculus.

Are there any challenges that women authors face in the math book industry?

Women authors may face challenges in the math book industry, such as underrepresentation and discrimination. They may also face difficulties in getting their work published or recognized due to gender biases.

What impact do math books by women authors have on young girls and women interested in math?

Math books by women authors can have a significant impact on young girls and women interested in math by providing role models and inspiration. They can also help to combat stereotypes and encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in mathematics.

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