Communicating mathematics: a historical and personal journey (Q1018232)

This is an adaptation from the author's inaugural lecture as professor of pure mathematics at the Open University, UK. Starting with an affectionate historical tour of inaugural and other university lectures of note, the whole range of other ways in which mathematicians communicate is described and illustrated: informal, ad hoc contact; the media (especially television); letters; and books. There is mention of the internet. The author's main theme is that research is important but it is not the only thing mathematicians do.