Mathematical Fiction 

Speaker: Alex Kasman

Abstract: After reading the novel “Cryptonomicon” in 1999, I became interested in the idea of keeping track of the appearances of mathematicians and mathematics in works of fiction. I have so far catalogued more than one thousand novels, plays, short stories, films, and comic books featuring math or mathematicians in some significant way. Some of them can lead readers to a better understanding or appreciation of mathematics. Others reveal negative stereotypes or misunderstandings about math. Special treats include “Fictional Math” and best of all are those works of fiction weaving math and human emotion together in the same way that an artist can create a beautiful sculpture out of mixed media.S