I Have a Photographic Memory

Book excerpt: Paul R. Halmos, eminent mathematician, is also a snapshot addict. For the past 45 years, Halmos has snapped mathematicians, their spouses, their brothers and sisters and other relatives, their offices, their dogs, and their carillon towers. From 6000 or so photographs in his collection, Halmos chose about 600 for this book. The pictures are candid shots showing mathematicians just being themselves, and the accompanying captions, in addition to identifying the subjects, contain anecdotes and bits of history that reveal Halmos' inimitable wit and insight.