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The 6 Most Fascinating Biographies of Mathematicians

Mon Nov 06 2023

by Book Raider

Biographies about mathematicians - yes, they do exist, and no, they're not just a big collection of numbers and equations. They're actually about real people who led fascinating lives. These are the folks who looked at the world in a completely unexpected way, breaking all the established rules, yet somehow managed to remain unscathed by their high school algebra teachers.

They’ve got tales that would make Pythagoras himself drop his theory and sit down for a good read. Incredible stories of breakthroughs and insights achieved in the oddest of places; the wackiest from bathtubs to gleaming apple trees. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into their intriguing life stories which are anything but obtuse!

The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan by Robert Kanigel

The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan

by Robert Kanigel

Why The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan is on this list: Delving into the life of Ramanujan, one of history's most intriguing mathematical minds, this biography appeals to both number crunchers and those who can't even calculate a restaurant tip without a calculator. A non-math person's perfect initiation into the spellbinding world of numbers.

A captivating glance into the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan - a self-taught mathematician hailing from India, who flabbergasted the snobby Cambridge scholars with his prodigious talent. It traces his extraordinary journey from a clerk in the Madras city to one of the most esteemed numbers-men in the world. The book paints an evocative picture of Ramanujan’s life and times, as well as diving into his unbeatable mathematical acumen.

What readers like: Readers are thrilled by Kanigel's accessible writing style, appreciating the human story behind the complex mathematics Ramanujan is famous for. They love how the book transports them to a bygone era of mathematical discovery, making readers feel like they're part of the adventure. Many also praised Kanigel's ability to make the complex world of mathematics understood, even enjoyable, for non-experts.

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The Imitation Game: Alan Turing Decoded by Jim Ottaviani

The Imitation Game: Alan Turing Decoded

by Jim Ottaviani

Why The Imitation Game: Alan Turing Decoded is on this list: If you're into mind-bending puzzles and a sprinkle of history in your reading, then this biography is right up your alley. This book gives an intimate and human perspective of one of the greatest mathematicians to ever live - Alan Turing.

This gripping and intriguing biography explores the life of Alan Turing, a man who, quite literally, changed the world through his mathematical genius. It offers a deep dive into Turing's influential role in cracking the Enigma code during World War II, his key contributions to the development of the modern computer, and the harrowing personal experiences that eventually led to his early death. And the best part is all of it is delivered in a way you won't have to be a professor of mathematics to understand.

What readers like: Readers rave about the graphic novel format, which does a brilliant job of making complex concepts easy to digest. They also appreciate how the narrative weaves Turing's scientific achievements with the social challenges and personal tragedies he faced in his life. It's a tale of genius, determination, and resilience that leaves readers both educated and deeply moved.

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Fermat's Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem by Simon Singh

Fermat's Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem

by Simon Singh

Why Fermat's Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem is on this list: If you like a good brain teaser, then this book dives into one of the most epic and world-renowned mathematical problems ever. It's a tale of numbers and equations but wrapped around the life and times of one of the greatest mathematicians, Pierre de Fermat.

This isn't just a book about numbers. 'Fermat's Enigma' is a thrilling ride that takes you through the 358-year-old mystery left behind by Fermat. It's full to the brim with ancient scribbles, cunning plots, intellectual duels and mathematical breakthroughs. As you journey through the ages, you'll crack a glimpse into Fermat's genius and the incredible quest to crack his elusive last theorem.

What readers like: Readers love the look into Fermat's life as much as the complex mathematical problem at hand. It's a biography and a detective story all rolled into one. So, if you appreciate a good dare, have a flair for mathematical puzzles and fancy a plunge into the depths of a mathematician's life, this just might be your next page-turner.

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Chaos: Making a New Science by James Gleick

Chaos: Making a New Science

by James Gleick

Why Chaos: Making a New Science is on this list: Alright, so you might not immediately think of 'chaos' when you think 'math', but buckle up! Gleick's book beautifully narrates the life and work of mathematicians and physicists grappling with chaos theory, and that's why it totally fits our list.

Imagine a book that's like riding a roller coaster through the world of mathematics. That's 'Chaos: Making a New Science' for you. It's an epic traversal through the thrilling and daunting terrain of chaos theory, interspersed with peeks into the lives of the brilliant minds who've shaped it. Plus, Gleick's got a way with words that makes complex concepts seem like a piece of cake (mmm...math cake).

What readers like: Readers love how Gleick takes deep, complex ideas and serves them up with a side of clarity and wit. Many appreciate the compelling characters and stories - major bonus points awarded for making math seem, dare we say, entertaining! The dramatic transformation of the mathematical landscape that 'Chaos' portrays keeps readers turning pages like the world will end if they don't finish the book. Now, that's some epic literary chaos right there.

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The Equation That Couldn't Be Solved: How Mathematical Genius Discovered the Language of Symmetry by Mario Livio

The Equation That Couldn't Be Solved: How Mathematical Genius Discovered the Language of Symmetry

by Mario Livio

Why The Equation That Couldn't Be Solved: How Mathematical Genius Discovered the Language of Symmetry is on this list: If the words 'equation' and 'couldn't be solved' make you sit up straight, then this biography is definitely for you. It's about a mathematician, after all. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of suspense and drama mixed with numbers and equations?

This book showcases the journey of Évariste Galois, a mathematical genius who sadly died at the tender age of 20. You'd think the life of a prodigy, toppled with a tragic end, would be enough to grip anyone. But, there's more - Galois, despite his short life, managed to leave a lasting impact on the field of mathematics by solving the unsolvable equation of symmetry. This tantalizing read takes you through his journey of mathematical discovery where you'll also stumble upon some fundamental insights into the nature of creativity and genius.

What readers like: Readers love that it gives a human touch to the otherwise abstract subject of mathematics. They find the storytelling gripping and Livio's way of explaining complex mathematical concepts fascinating without being overwhelming. Also, the life journey of Galois really resonates with those who appreciate an underdog story. Well, a mathematically genius underdog, that is.

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Einstein: The Life and Times by Ronald Clark

Einstein: The Life and Times

by Ronald Clark

Why Einstein: The Life and Times is on this list: Sure, you've heard of this little-known genius called Albert Einstein, but if you're even kind of interested in math, you'll want to dive into the life of this quintessential mathematician. Clark has done a stellar job at portraying Einstein, not only as the Math-whiz we all know and love, but also as an intriguing personality and a person with his own set of complexities and eccentricities. So yes, dear math lovers, this book makes the cut for fascinating biographies.

Unravel the life of Einstein with Ronald Clark's 'Einstein: The Life and Times'. This brilliantly composed biography dives deep into Einstein's world, including his scientific theories that changed our understanding of the universe, but it doesn’t stop there. Clark also gives us a peek into Einstein's personal world - showing us the ins and outs of his private relationships, his migrations across different countries and his struggles with notoriety and solitude. It's Einstein as you've never seen him.

What readers like: Readers have often mentioned the warmth with which Clark presents Einstein's narrative. There is a real sense of getting to know Albert, not just as a mathematician but also as an individual. It’s also a treat for readers because the book is accessible - you don’t have to be a physicist to understand it, you just need a real curiosity about the life of one of the most famous men in history. And hey, it might even make you feel a smidgen smarter.

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