To Talk of Many Things – An Autobiography

Citation

Mann, C.J.H. (2005), "To Talk of Many Things – An Autobiography", Kybernetes, Vol. 34 No. 9/10. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2005.06734iae.003

To Talk of Many Things – An Autobiography

To Talk of Many Things – An AutobiographyKathleen OllerenshawManchester University PressManchester2004ISBN 0-7190-6987-4208 pp.£15.99 (hardback)

Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw has worked as a mathematician in industrial research and universities, served as a member and often chair of numerous national and local bodies, councils and voluntary associations. She was the first and, up to the present time, the only woman president of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

There are two good reasons we are told for reading this book. The first is that, it is in itself a fascinating account of her life and service to the community, and second her commitment to mathematics.

Mathematics as we know is the basis of so many studies, not least cybernetics and systems of all descriptions. It is encouraging for those who work in this subject to read her autobiography, Dr Ollerenshaw was able to develop new interests and cope with her infirmities whilst also acting as a role model to others in academic and public life, is surely an inspiration to all.

C.J.H. MannBook reviews and reports editor