Robert Kanigel Knihy

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 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.

'One of the finest, best-documented biographies ever published about a modern mathematician' - Martin Gardner 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. Biographical Notes Robert Kanigel is the author of six other books, including The Man Who Knew Infinity. After 13 years as professor of science writing at MIT, he has returned to full-time writing in Baltimore.

A biography of the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. The book gives a detailed account of his upbringing in India, his mathematical achievements, and his mathematical collaboration with English mathematician G. H. Hardy. The book also reviews the life of Hardy and the academic culture of Cambridge University during the early twentieth century.

From the acclaimed biographer of Jane Jacobs and Srinivasa Ramanujan comes a comprehensive exploration of one of the most influential classical scholars of the twentieth century, who reshaped our understanding of ancient epic poetry and the concept of literature itself. This literary detective story presents a long-overdue portrait of Milman Parry, an Oakland druggist's son known as the "Darwin of Homeric studies." His groundbreaking work in the 1930s fundamentally altered perceptions of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, leading scholars to distinguish between a "before" and "after" Parry. Previously, the epics were assumed to be "written" like other literature; now, it is recognized that they emerged from a rich oral tradition. Parry dedicated his life to developing and validating this revolutionary theory, a journey that ended tragically with his mysterious death by gunshot at thirty-three. Following Parry from UC Berkeley to the Sorbonne, Harvard, and Yugoslavia, we witness how his early ideas evolved into a comprehensive theory. The narrative also delves into his marriage to Marian Thanhouser and their challenges as young parents in Paris, alongside the circumstances surrounding his untimely death in Los Angeles. Kanigel traces Parry's enduring legacy, illustrating how his insights led to the emergence of "oral theory," which continues to influence diverse fields from Beowulf to jazz and hip-hop.

Focusing on personal transformation, Robert Kanigel's memoir recounts his evolution from a conventional engineer to a celebrated writer, all set against the backdrop of Baltimore's vibrant culture. Through a reflective narrative, he shares the challenges and triumphs of his unconventional journey, emphasizing the importance of love and work in shaping his identity. This memoir serves as an inspiring testament for aspiring writers, highlighting the potential for creativity to emerge from unexpected paths.