Squeak-
Thanks for the introduction, I can’t wait to see what the introduction to my book looks like.
As far as the proof is concerned- I’m very sorry but something came up today. When things settle down and I have more time I’ll continue the discussion. If you’re looking for a geshmaka proof you are going to be disappointed. If you’re looking for a funny dating conversation between a nerd and a ditz- I hope to make it worth your while.
Pashuteh Yid-
You are probably correct- this is most likely not the proof that Fermat had in mind (by writing that there wasn’t enough room in the margin, when in actuality he needed a whole book, he obviously had something else in mind).
In my humble opinion, the proof that Fermat had in mind would have been dis-proven had it been written down, as were hundreds of other attempts made over the years.
As the story goes, Wiles locked himself in his attic for 7 years until he had what he thought was a solid proof. Two months later a fellow professor notified him of a whole in the proof.
Together with a former student, Wiles spent 14 months or so plugging the whole.