Who wrote these Linear Algebra Notes -Thomas?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around identifying the author of a set of 1980s lecture notes on introductory linear algebra, specifically those bound and titled "Linear Algebra . Thomas." Participants share their insights and memories related to the potential authorship of these notes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the author of the lecture notes, providing details about the notes' physical characteristics and dates.
  • Another participant suggests that George Thomas, known for his calculus texts, could be the author.
  • A third participant confirms the possibility, sharing personal experience as a former student of George Thomas and noting his passing.
  • A fourth participant acknowledges the lack of identifying information in the notes and suggests reaching out to former students or the math department for more information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that George Thomas is a likely candidate for authorship, but there is no definitive confirmation, and the discussion remains open to further investigation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is limited by the absence of explicit authorship information in the notes and relies on personal recollections and assumptions about the potential author.

Stephen Tashi
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Let's see if anyone can identify the author of some 1980's lecture notes on introductory linear algebra.

I bought this bound set of lecture notes in a used book store. The title stamped on the binding is "Linear Algebra . Thomas". These are images of 8 by 11 1/2 inch typewritten pages, double spaced, single sided, not consecutively numbered. I estimate there are about 300 pages. The pages have dates at the bottom that range from 1/20/86 to 1/25/86.

Pictures of the cover and the first two pages are here:
 

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George Thomas of Thomas/Finney calculus text fame?
 
Looks like it to me. He did write a number of excellent books.

(George Thomas was my teacher for Freshman Calculus. Oops, I have aged myself!)
(George Thomas died three years ago at the age of 92.)
 
George Thomas sounds like a good possibility. There is no information printed in the volume about the author, the class number etc. The book is professionally bound, but it looks like a one-of-a-kind thing. The pages are just 1980's era copier output. If you know anyone that might have taken linear algebra from him, please ask them about what notes he used. Maybe someone at the math department where he taught would know.
 

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