A review by donzon
Love and Math: The Heart of Hidden Reality by Edward Frenkel

2.0

This book had a split personality. It was a mix of history and insights on the author's journey to becoming a world-class mathematician and solving difficult mathematical issues. However, much of it was was incomprehensible and the author does a poor job explaining the math that he is obsessed with. He uses words in atypical ways with no explanation and the reader is left puzzled. For example, what is "gauge theory" and why the word "gauge"? Why "Program" in "Langlands Program"? Some stuff is well-explained (string theory) but much isn't. I was a math major but I have trouble believing that more than a very limited # of mathematicians in the entire world can understand everything in this book - and they surely aren't bothering to read this book as they already know the material.

As a computer scientist, I was also disappointed in the passing references to the value of his field in secure banking. He says this several times but with no explanation leading me to believe he's overinflating a claim, doesn't understand it, or can't explain it. Another passing reference to Haskell, again with no explanation, was a disappointment.

In summary, I recommend the early chapters of the book. The rest is a waste of time.