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by sk2code 3741 days ago
If interested there is a very good book about this subject: http://www.amazon.com/Fermats-Enigma-Greatest-Mathematical-P...
2 comments

Ha. I've read it as "Fermat's Last Theorem" - guess that's the UK name.

For anyone who hasn't read them Simon Singh's books are great introductions to subjects by tracking their history. In this case mathematics, but he also has one about cryptography [1] and another on the space and the universe [2].

[1] http://www.amazon.co.uk/Code-Book-Science-Secrecy-Cryptograp...

[2] http://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Bang-Important-Scientific-Discov...

Seconded, the subject matter is fascinating and the human story of Wiles' difficult journey and ultimate accomplishment is gripping. One of the books I've most enjoyed ever on any topic, let alone in popular science / maths. It's Singh's best work.