Fermat's Last Theorem
The best introduction to Singh's narrative approach and his interest in mathematical history.
Author guide
Simon Singh Books in Order
Simon Lehna Singh (born 1964) is a British author, journalist, television producer, and science communicator. He holds a PhD in particle physics from the University of Cambridge and worked as a BBC science producer. His books combine historical narrative with explanations of mathematics and science, covering Fermat's Last Theorem, cryptography, the Big Bang, alternative medicine, and the mathematics of The Simpsons. Trick or Treatment? was co-authored with Edzard Ernst.
popular sciencemathematicscryptographyphysicsscience writing
Catalog record updated .
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
The Code Book
His central popular history of cryptography and codebreaking.
The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets
A lively, accessible entry point focused on mathematics in popular culture.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (7)
- Fermat's Last Theorem
nonfiction · 1997
Fermat's Last Theorem became the Holy Grail of mathematics. Whole and colorful lives were devoted, and even sacrificed, to finding a proof. Leonhard Euler, the greatest mathematician of the eighteenth century, had to admit defeat. Sophie…
- The Code Book
nonfiction · 1999
- The Science of Secrecy
nonfiction · 2000
A TV tie-in edition of The Code Book filmed as a prime-time five-part Channel 4 series on the history of codes and code-breaking and presented by the author. This book, which accompanies the major Channel 4 series, brings to life the…
- The Code Book: How to Make It, Break It, Hack It, Crack It
nonfiction · 2002
- Big Bang
nonfiction · 2004
The bestselling author of Fermat’s Last Theorem and The Code Book tells the story of the brilliant minds that deciphered the mysteries of the Big Bang. A fascinating exploration of the ultimate question: how was our universe created?
- Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial
nonfiction · 2008
Provides an examination and judgement of more than thirty of the most treatments in alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, chiropractic and herbal medicine.
- The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets
nonfiction · 2013
Based on interviews with the writers of The Simpsons and accompanied by images from the show, facsimiles of scripts, paintings and drawings and other imagery, this fascinating book reveals the meaningful mathematical concepts behind the…
Frequently asked questions about Simon Singh
Is Simon Singh a physicist or a writer?
Both: he is a physicist by training and a British science writer and broadcaster. He completed a PhD in particle physics at the University of Cambridge.
What did Simon Singh do before becoming a science writer?
After studying physics and completing his PhD, Singh joined the BBC science department. He produced and directed programs including Tomorrow’s World and Horizon.
What influenced Simon Singh’s approach to explaining science?
His approach combines physics training with a fascination for patterns, evidence, and experiments. Writing for student newspapers and a departmental newsletter also helped lead him toward journalism.
Which major awards has Simon Singh won?
Singh won a BAFTA for his documentary about Fermat’s Last Theorem, received an MBE for services to mathematics education and science communication, and was awarded the 2022 Christopher Zeeman Medal for mathematical communication.
Sources: imperial.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)lms.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)
What is Simon Singh’s legacy in public science communication?
Singh has helped make mathematics and science more accessible through writing, television, and education initiatives. The London Mathematical Society recognized his exceptional influence on public engagement with mathematics through the 2022 Christopher Zeeman Medal.
Sources: lms.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)goodthinkingsociety.org (opens in a new tab)