Subject
Mathematicians -- Great Britain -- Biography Books
Best books
Charles Babbage
Passages from the Life of a Philosopher
"Passages from the Life of a Philosopher" by Charles Babbage is a semi-autobiographical account written in the mid-19th century. This work combines personal reflections with insights into the development of Babbage's inventions, particularly his pioneering work on calculating machines, including the Difference Engine. Through anecdotes and experiences across various social contexts, Babbage explores the challenges and triumphs he faced in the pursuit of knowledge and invention. The opening of the text introduces Babbage's thoughts on ancestry and the value of a name, reflecting on his own family history and philosophical musings about identity. He begins with a humorous consideration of heritage, asserting that despite the perceived advantages of a distinguished lineage, it also brings expectations that can weigh heavily. Following this, Babbage shares early childhood memories filled with curiosity and inquisitiveness, particularly highlighting his fascination with understanding the world around him. He recounts formative experiences that shaped his budding philosophical outlook, including an adventurous episode of being lost on London Bridge and a humorous incident involving a near-poisoning. Together, these glimpses into Babbage's early life set the stage for the themes of exploration and rational inquiry that permeate the book.
Stuart Dodgson Collingwood
The Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll (Rev. C. L. Dodgson)
"The Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll (Rev. C. L. Dodgson)" by Stuart Dodgson Collingwood is a biographical account penned in the late 19th century. The memoir chronicles the life of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, examining his upbringing, family background, education, and creative endeavors, focusing particularly on the complexities of his personality and the influences that shaped his literary legacy. At the start of the memoir, the author introduces the reader to Lewis Carroll's lineage, detailing the lives of his forebears, particularly in the context of their service in the church and education. The opening chapters also capture memories of Carroll's childhood in Daresbury, where he engaged in boyish pastimes amidst a mostly secluded environment. Early accounts of his schooling reveal both his learning tendencies and the initial struggles he faced, setting the stage for an exploration of how these formative experiences contributed to his later accomplishments as a writer and mathematician. As his life unfolds through the narrative, readers are presented with vivid anecdotes and reflections on his literary creations and his profound connections with children, hinting at the enchanting world he would later depict in works like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
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