The results receiving the 1994 Nobel Prizes in economy deeply rooted in Neumann's game theory are only minor traces of his exceptionally broad spectrum of creativity and stimulation.

The book is organized by the specific subjects–quantum mechanics, ergodic theory, operator algebra, hydrodynamics, economics, computers, science and society. In addition, one paper which was written in German will be translated and published in English for the first time.

The sections are introduced by short explanatory notes with an emphasis on recent developments based on von Neumann's contributions. An overall picture is provided by Ulam's, one of his most intimate partners in thinking, 1958 memorial lecture. Facsimilae and translations of some of his personal letters and a newly completed bibliography based on von Neumann's own careful compilation are added.

Contents:

• Quantum Mechanics: Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
• The Logic of Quantum Mechanics (with G Birkhoff)
• Ergodic Theory: Proof of the Quasi-Ergodic Hypothesis
• Operator Methods in Classical Mechanics, II (with P R Halmos)
• Operator Algebra: Algebra of Functional Operations and Theory of Normal Operators
• On Rings of Operators I–IV
• Use of Variational Methods in Hydrodynamics
• Economics: Theory of Games and Economic Behavior (with O Morgenstern)
• Computers: On the Principles of Large Scale Computing Machines (with H H Goldstine)
• Science and Society: The Mathematician
• Method in the Physical Sciences
• The Role of Mathematics in the Sciences and in Society
• and other papers

"The collection bears testimony to the lasting influence of John von Neumann's work on the course of modern mathematics."

"This collection is a fascinating introduction to the work of John von Neumann ... it has much to offer even to the casual browser and will also be relevant and interesting to those working today in the fields on which von Neumann had such enormous influence."