The Map of My Life

Goro Shimura

This is the captivating autobiography of one of the most accomplished mathematicians of the 20th century, Goro Shimura. In this compelling memoir, Shimura chronicles his journey from his humble beginnings in Japan to his illustrious career as a world-renowned mathematician.

Shimura's work in mathematics spans a wide range of fields, including number theory, algebraic geometry, and mathematical physics. He is perhaps best known for his contributions to the theory of modular forms and the Langlands program, which seeks to connect disparate areas of mathematics. 

In this book Goro Shimura shares many personal experiences from his life, both in and out of mathematics. He discusses his upbringing in Japan during World War II, including his experiences with air raids and food shortages. He shares stories about his family, such as his grandfather who was a samurai and his mother who encouraged his interest in mathematics.

He shares his experiences collaborating with other great mathematicians of his time, including Andre Weil and Robert Langlands.