“I am thrilled (and not a little embarrassed) by how much I have learned from this beautifully crafted volume. With wit and wisdom, Dr. Higham has delivered the message of the great grammarians to the community of the mathematical scientists. Research students will appreciate the author’s portrayal of the publication process and his erudite treatment of the electronic goodies that should be in every technical writer’s toolkit. As for me, I cannot imagine writing or refereeing ever again without the Handbook by my side.”
– Charles Van Loan, Department of Computer Science, Cornell University.
“A working mathematician can readily find guidance on how to handle citations, prepare slides, and use computer aids…could serve as a text for a much needed short course for advanced graduate students, particularly those for whom English is not their native language…The book is filled with helpful examples.”
– Beresford Parlett, University of California, Berkeley.
“This book is a gem and should be available in every math science department and library.”
– Ingram Olkin, Department of Statistics, Stanford University.
“RESEARCH – it is only when you write down your ideas that you will get a full understanding of your thinking. ART – the “beauty” of art or writing is not given for free. It is only by practicing you will get the skill. Compare with any type of sports or playing an instrument – you can be born with some talent but that is not enough to be a good performer! CRAFT – to write for publication you have to follow many rules and traditions, and learn to use computer tools for scientific writing. . . all these aspects are explicitly or implicitly covered in the book. I highly recommend to use Higham’s book as a mandatory text book for graduate students in the Mathematical Sciences.”
– Bo Kagstrom, University of Umea, Sweden.
“This book, will be particularly useful for those publishing mathematical papers or theses in English for the first time, and also for those more experienced in publishing who are starting to use electronic aids in the publication and presentation processes. This book is strongly recommended as general reading for new graduate students, especially for non-native English speakers, and as a reference for students and faculty who wish to gain experience in the use of electronic publication aids.”
– Ian Gladwell, Southern Methodist University.
“Any professional mathematician (whether in the corporate world or in academe) who writes, and therefore puts math into print, should have this handbook on the reference shelf …The information needed by writers, editors, and their assistants to prepare clear, accurate, and understandable mathematical material is contained in this book. Advanced undergraduate and graduate students should read it from cover to cover. They will then find themselves well prepared to express their thoughts in writing throughout their scientific careers”
—Barbara A. Simmons, Technical Communication
“Higham’s handbook is to the technical writer what The Elements of Style by Strunk and White is to the liberal arts writer. I’ve reached for The Elements of Style many times and expect to reach for Handbook of Writing for the Mathematical Sciences even more frequently.”
—Keith Parris, Senior Technical Writer, Alcatel Network System
Nick Higham 