Recollections of a Jewish Mathematician in Germany

Abraham A. Fraenkel was a world-renowned mathematician in pre–Second World War Germany, whose work on set theory was fundamental to the development of modern mathematics. A friend of Albert Einstein, he knew many of the era’s acclaimed mathematicians personally. He moved to Israel (then Palestine under the British Mandate) in the early 1930s. In his autobiography Fraenkel describes his early years growing up as an Orthodox Jew in Germany and his development as a mathematician at the beginning of the twentieth century. ​This memoir, originally written in German in the 1960s, has now been translated into English, with an additional chapter covering the period from 1933 until his death in 1965 written by the editor, Jiska Cohen-Mansfield.    

Fraenkel describes the world of mathematics in Germany in the first half of the twentieth century, its origins and development, the systems influencing it, and its demise. He also paints a unique picture of the complex struggles within the world of Orthodox Jewry in Germany. In his personal life, Fraenkel merged these two worlds during periods of turmoil including the two world wars and the establishment of the state of Israel.

Including a new foreword by Menachem Magidor

Foreword to the 1967 German edition by Yehoshua Bar-Hillel

“This new text provides an English translation of his original autobiography, balanced by an insightful chapter surveying the last 32 years of Fraenkel’s life … . This is a great book befitting a great man! Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals.” (J. Johnson, Choice, Vol. 54 (10), June, 2017)

“This book contains an English translation of Fraenkel's autobiography which was edited and completed with an additional chapter by Jiska Cohen-Mansfield. … The book offers a unique picture of the world of mathematics, and of the complex struggles within the world of orthodox Jews, in Germany in the first half of the twentieth century.” (Eduard Glas, Mathematical Reviews, May, 2017)

“The book is an enjoyable read. … This book provides a valuable service to a number of scholarly communities who can now see the inner workings of someone who was involved in the birth of the discussion of the foundations of mathematics and the death of the era of Jewish life in Europe. As an eminently readable volume, it also opens the life of an important mathematical figure, in his various guises, to the broader public.” (Mark Zelcer, Metascience, Vol. 26, 2017)

“Fraenkel’s distinctive voice makes his memoir a fascinating read. His importance makes it a valuable historical source. I found it both enjoyable and instructive.” (Fernando Q. Gouvêa, MAA Reviews, maa.org, December, 2016)