Reflections on Fermat's Last Theorem (Q1891320)

This explanatory paper is based on the Nesbitt Lecture delivered by the author in November, 1992 at Carleton University. The author mentions the \(ABC\)-Conjecture and its implications for the FLT, discusses Pythagoras' Theorem, and thence the cases \(n = 2\) and \(n = 4\) of the Last Theorem. His remarks conclude with a discussion of the possible role of elliptic curves and automorphic forms in attacking the problem, thus making it practicable to add a remark about Wiles' 1993 announcement. The reviewer would have been helped in writing his book [Notes on Fermat's last Theorem, Wiley Interscience, New York (1996)] had this clear and vivid introduction been available earlier.