In 1957, Stephen Smale showed that it is possible to turn a sphere inside out without cutting, tearing, or crimping. Despite diverse accomplishments, his name is virtually unknown outside mathematics. This book aims to bring the life and work of this significant figure in intellectual history to the attention of a larger community.

Brings the life and work of Stephen Smale to the attention of a larger community. There are few good biographies of mathematicians. Biographical writers are not usually trained in mathematics, and mathematicians do not usually write biographies. Though the author, Steve Batterson, is primarily a mathematician, he has long been intrigued by the notion of working on a biography of Smale. Here he records and makes known the life and accomplishments of this great mathematician and significant figure in intellectual history.