The Man Who Knew Infinity..

Robert Kanigel

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The Man Who Knew Infinity is the true story of a friendship between Srinivasa Ramanujan and G.H. Hardy that forever changed mathematics. In 1913, a young unschooled Indian clerk wrote a letter to G H Hardy, begging the pre-eminent English mathematician's opinion on several ideas he had about numbers. Realising the letter was the work of a genius, Hardy arranged for Srinivasa Ramanujan to come to England. Thus began one of the most improbable and productive collaborations ever chronicled.With a passion for rich and evocative detail, Robert Kanigel takes us from the temples and slums of Madras to the courts and chapels of Cambridge University, where the devout Hindu Ramanujan, 'the Prince of Intuition,' tested his brilliant theories alongside the sophisticated and eccentric Hardy, 'the Apostle of Proof'. In time, Ramanujan's creative intensity took its toll: he died at the age of thirty-two and left behind a magical and inspired legacy that is still being plumbed for its secrets today.Adapted into a film in 2016 starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Stephen Fry, Toby Jones and Devika Bhise.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Early Life: The book explores Ramanujan's humble beginnings in a small village in South India and his early fascination with mathematics.

  2. Self-Taught Genius: Ramanujan was largely self-taught in mathematics and displayed extraordinary mathematical abilities from a young age, despite lacking formal training.

  3. Mathematical Contributions: The book highlights Ramanujan's groundbreaking contributions to number theory, infinite series, and other areas of mathematics, many of which continue to be studied and applied today.

  4. Collaboration with G.H. Hardy: Ramanujan's collaboration with the British mathematician G.H. Hardy is a central focus of the book, showcasing the intellectual exchange and friendship between the two scholars.

  5. Challenges Faced: Ramanujan faced numerous challenges, including racism, cultural differences, and health issues, during his time in England.

  6. Recognition and Awards: Despite these challenges, Ramanujan's work eventually gained recognition, leading to numerous awards and honors, including fellowship in the Royal Society.

  7. Illness and Return to India: Ramanujan's health deteriorated during his time in England, and he returned to India, where he continued to work on mathematics until his untimely death at a young age.

  8. Legacy: The book explores Ramanujan's lasting legacy in mathematics and his influence on future generations of mathematicians, both in India and around the world.

  9. Cultural Impact: Ramanujan's life story has had a significant cultural impact, inspiring books, films, and other creative works that celebrate his achievements and contributions to mathematics.

  10. Inspiration for Further Study: "The Man Who Knew Infinity" serves as an inspiration for further study of Ramanujan's life and work, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the fascinating world of mathematics.

Language English
ISBN-10 0349104522
ISBN-13 9780349104522
No of pages 448
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Pocket Books
Published Date 10 Dec 1992

About Author

Author : Robert Kanigel

2 Books

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