The Taschenbuch der Mathematik, colloquially called “Bronstein” after one of its original authors, contains everything there is to know about mathematics. read more
Mathematics was a requirement for many jobs that didn't even involve them (like naval officers). To the USSR, mathematics was an extreme requirement for society and taught with the mercilessness of a traditional society sensing survival at stake. Mathematics skills require lots of preparation and lots of support for the budding mathematician. read more