Fermat's Last Theorem

This introduction to algebraic number theory via the famous problem of "Fermat Last Theorem" follows its historical development, beginning with the work of Fermat and ending with Kummer theory of "ideal" factorization. The more elementary topics, such as Euler proof of the impossibilty of x+y=z, are treated in an uncomplicated way, and new concepts and techniques are introduced only after having been motivated by specific problems. The book also covers in detail the application of...
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This introduction to algebraic number theory via the famous problem of "Fermat Last Theorem" follows its historical development, beginning with the work of Fermat and ending with Kummer theory of "ideal" factorization. The more elementary topics, such as Euler proof of the impossibilty of x+y=z, are treated in an uncomplicated way, and new concepts and techniques are introduced only after having been motivated by specific problems. The book also covers in detail the application of Kummer theory to quadratic integers and relates this to Gaussheory of binary quadratic forms, an interesting and important connection that is not explored in any other book. '