This book traces the life of Cholesky (1875-1918) and gives his family history. After an
introduction to topography an English translation of an unpublished paper by him where he
explained his method for linear systems is given studied and replaced in its historical
context. His other works including two books are also described as well as his involvement in
teaching at a superior school by correspondence. The story of this school and its founder Léon
Eyrolles are addressed. Then an important unpublished book of Cholesky on graphical
calculation is analyzed in detail and compared to similar contemporary publications. The
biography of Ernest Benoit who wrote the first paper where Cholesky¿s method is explained is
provided. Various documents highlighting the life and the personality of Cholesky end the
book.
