"In 1957 Stephen Smale startled the mathematical world by showing that, in a theoretical sense, it is possible to turn a sphere inside out. A few years later from the beaches of Rio, he introduced the horseshoe map, demonstrating that simple functions could have chaotic dynamics. His next mathematical accomplishment was to solve the higher-dimensional Poincare conjecture, thus demonstrating that higher-dimensions are simpler than the more familiar three.

In 1966 in Moscow, he was awarded the Fields Medal, the most prestigious prize in mathematics.".

"Smale's vision and influence extended beyond mathematics into two different realms. In 1965 in Berkeley, he initiated a program with Jerry Rubin of civil disobedience directed at ending the Vietnam War. And as a mineral collector he accumulated a museum-quality collection that ranks among the finest in the world. Despite these diverse accomplishments, Smale's name is virtually unknown outside mathematics and mineral collecting.".

"In this book, Batterson records and makes known the life and accomplishments of this mathematician and significant figure in intellectual history."--BOOK JACKET.