This is the first full-scale biography of Leonhard Euler (1707–1783), one of the greatest mathematicians and theoretical physicists of all time. In this comprehensive and authoritative account, Ronald Calinger connects the story of Euler’s eventful life to the astonishing achievements that place him in the company of Archimedes, Newton, and Gauss. Drawing on Euler’s massive published works and correspondence, this biography sets Euler’s work in its multilayered context—personal, intellectual, institutional, political, cultural, religious, and social. It is a story of nearly incessant accomplishment, from Euler’s fundamental contributions to almost every area of pure and applied mathematics in his time—especially calculus, mechanics, and optics—to his advances in shipbuilding, telescopes, acoustics, ballistics, cartography, chronology, and music theory.
Awards and Recognition
- One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2016
"Ronald Calinger's impressively detailed biography memorably portrays an extraordinarily able scientist rather than a hero of the Enlightenment as it is conventionally conceived."—Ulinka Rublack, Times Literary Supplement
"Leonhard Euler, written by historian of mathematics Ronald Calinger, is perhaps the first biography that attempts to offer a panoramic view of this immense body of work. . . . This impressively researched tome will be of great value to anyone with a serious interest in the history of mathematics and the Enlightenment."—Davide Castelvecchi, Nature
"[A]n impressive work of scientific biography. . . . A fascinating portrait of Euler, his work and the world around him."—The Economist
"The book is so rich in information that it makes it the best reference work on Euler that is currently available. . . . This book will be a standard for many years to come."—Adhemar Bultheel, European Mathematical Society
"An excellent new biography."—Mark Ronan, Standpoint
"This work befits Leonhard Euler, one of the greatest mathematicians ever, and fills in details that raise his stature even further. Calinger is respected for his texts that explore the history of mathematics. This focused effort is his best! Calinger successfully embeds Euler's mathematical and physics results in a rich context—cultural, political, religious, and intellectual—while providing great insight into Euler as a person. . . . Read this book about Euler and be enlightened!"—Choice
"This biography gives a complete picture of the person Euler and his scientific work. For the interested reader a must."—Eos
"Written in a masterly manner."—Eberhard Knobloch, Zentralblatt MATH
"The present monograph is an important contribution on Euler's life and on his achievements in various areas of human knowledge, being of interest to all people interested in the development of science in historical perspective."—S. Cobza¸, Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai Methematica
"The text is clear; the book is a pleasure to read and will be easy to use. It weaves together Euler's personal life, his education, and his activities in the intellectual life of the eighteenth century, noting the intrusion of events beyond his control. . . . Almost everything is included, from Euler’s simplest work and elementary teaching to his most insightful and influential papers and books. At every stage, we get a succinct account of what Euler did and why it mattered. . . . The book should be read by every historian of modern science, and it will form the basis for a new generation of Euler scholarship."—Jeremy Gray, Isis
"The author deserves praise for tackling such a serious project with huge amounts of detailed and complex material. . . . An excellent reference resource on all matters related to Euler’s life and work."—Ciarán Mac an Bhaird, London Mathematical Society Newsletter
"This wonderful book is highly recommended not only for history of mathematics scholars but also for mathematics teachers as well as for the general public. It leaves one with a sense of awe and admiration for the genius of who Leonhard Euler was."—Michael de Villers, European Legacy
"A fascinating portrait of Euler, his work and the world around him."—The Economist
"Ronald Calinger's impressively detailed biography memorably portrays an extraordinarily able scientist."—Ulinka Rublack, Times Literary Supplement
"A pleasure to read. . . . The book should be read by every historian of modern science."—Jeremy Gray, Isis
"Will be of great value to anyone with a serious interest in the history of mathematics and the Enlightenment."—Davide Castelvecchi, Nature
"Excellent."—Mark Ronan, Standpoint
"Calinger successfully embeds Euler's mathematical and physics results in a rich context—cultural, political, religious, and intellectual—while providing great insight into Euler as a person."—Choice
