Let $F\subset E$ be a finite degree field extension. Then $E=F[\alpha]$ for some element $\alpha \in E$ iff there are only finitely many fields $K$ with $F \subset K \subset E$. In other words, a finite degree field extension is a simple extension if and only if there are only finitely many intermediate fields.
I don't know how should begin the proof. Is there any book you can suggest to read this proof of theorem?
Thanks a lot.