Edward Kasner

Edward Kasner (1878-1955) was an American mathematician and professor at Columbia University, notable for his contributions to differential geometry and for coining the term "googol." As the first Jewish faculty member in Columbia's sciences department, he broke important ground in academic representation while establishing himself as a significant figure in mathematics. Kasner's academic work centered on differential geometry, leading to influential concepts like the Kasner metric and Kasner polygon. His 1899 PhD dissertation on invariant theory and geometry, completed under the guidance of Felix Klein and David Hilbert, was published by the American Mathematical Society. While his mathematical research was significant, Kasner achieved broader recognition for introducing the term "googol" to describe the number one followed by one hundred zeros. This term, created to make large numbers more accessible to children, has become part of common mathematical vocabulary and later inspired the name of the technology company Google. Throughout his career at Columbia University, Kasner advanced from tutor to full professor, mentoring notable students including Jesse Douglas and Joseph Ritt. His influence extended beyond pure mathematics through his efforts to make mathematical concepts more approachable to the general public.

Edward Kasner receives limited reader reviews online, with most feedback focusing on his book "Mathematics and the Imagination" (co-authored with James Newman). Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of complex mathematical concepts - Engaging writing style that makes abstract ideas tangible - Historical anecdotes and mathematical puzzles that maintain interest - The enduring relevance of the mathematical principles discussed Common criticisms: - Some sections feel dated (particularly references to contemporary events) - Technical language can still be challenging for casual readers - Occasional digressions that interrupt the main explanations Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (based on 347 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (63 reviews) One reader noted: "Makes higher math accessible without dumbing it down." Another commented: "The googol explanation alone makes this worth reading." Few reviews exist for Kasner's academic publications, as these targeted specialized mathematical audiences rather than general readers.

Mathematics and the Imagination (1940) Co-authored with James Newman, this book explores complex mathematical concepts through accessible language and illustrations, explaining ideas like infinity, topology, and large numbers including the famous "googol." [Publisher: Simon and Schuster]

Martin Gardner wrote extensively about recreational mathematics and puzzles, publishing numerous books that made complex mathematical concepts accessible to general readers. His "Mathematical Games" column in Scientific American followed a similar path to Kasner's work in making mathematics approachable to non-specialists.

George Gamow combined scientific rigor with clear explanations in books like "One Two Three...Infinity" and "Mr. Tompkins" series. His work bridged pure mathematics with physics while maintaining accessibility for general audiences.

Felix Klein authored fundamental works on geometry and mathematical education that influenced Kasner's own academic development. His "Elementary Mathematics from an Advanced Standpoint" series reflects the same commitment to explaining complex mathematical concepts clearly.

Morris Kline focused on mathematics education and the history of mathematical ideas in works like "Mathematics in Western Culture." His writing style emphasized connections between mathematics and broader cultural developments, similar to Kasner's approach.

Richard Courant wrote influential mathematics texts that balanced technical depth with clarity of explanation. His "What is Mathematics?" mirrors Kasner's goal of making mathematical concepts understandable while maintaining mathematical precision.