The classic introduction to the fundamentals of calculus

Richard Courant's classic text Differential and Integral Calculus is an essential text for those preparing for a career in physics or applied math. Volume 1 introduces the foundational concepts of "function" and "limit", and offers detailed explanations that illustrate the "why" as well as the "how". Comprehensive coverage of the basics of integrals and differentials includes their applications as well as clearly-defined techniques and essential theorems. Multiple appendices provide supplementary explanation and author notes, as well as solutions and hints for all in-text problems.

Richard Courant (1888-1972) obtained his doctorate at the University of Göttingen in 1910. Here, he became Hilbert's assistant. He returned to Göttingen to continue his research after World War I, and founded and headed the university's Mathematical Institute. In 1933, Courant left Germany for England, from whence he went on to the United States after a year. In 1936, he became a professor at the New York University. Here, he headed the Department of Mathematics and was Director of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences - which was subsequently renamed the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Among other things, Courant is well remembered for his achievement regarding the finite element method, which he set on a solid mathematical basis and which is nowadays the most important way to solve partial differential equations numerically.