Leben und Werk von Egbert Brieskorn (1936 - 2013)

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Egbert Brieskorn's life, emphasizing his personal commitments and his influential mathematical contributions, especially in relation to Felix Hausdorff.

Contribution

It offers a detailed biographical account combined with an analysis of Brieskorn's significant mathematical achievements and his broader interests beyond mathematics.

Findings

Highlighting Brieskorn's impact on mathematics and society

Documenting his study of Felix Hausdorff's work

Showcasing his commitment to peace and the environment

Abstract

Egbert Brieskorn died on July 11, 2013, a few days after his 77th birthday. He was an impressive personality who has left a lasting impression on all who knew him, whether inside or outside of mathematics. Brieskorn was a great mathematician, but his interests, his knowledge, and activities ranged far beyond mathematics. In this contribution, which is strongly influenced by many years of personal connectedness of the authors with Brieskorn, we try to give a deeper insight into the life and work of Brieskorn. We illuminate both his personal commitment to peace and the environment as well as his long-term study of the life and work of Felix Hausdorff and the publication of Hausdorff's collected works. However, the main focus of the article is on the presentation of his remarkable and influential mathematical work.