Robert Kanigel’s The Man Who Knew Infinity is widely praised for its thorough and engaging portrayal of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Reviewers commend Kanigel’s ability to blend complex mathematical concepts with a compelling narrative. Criticisms include occasional overly detailed passages and a focus that sometimes drifts from Ramanujan to his mentor, G.H. Hardy.

Readers who enjoy biographies of brilliant minds and underdog stories, particularly those with a deep appreciation for mathematics and history, will find The Man Who Knew Infinity by Robert Kanigel captivating. Similar to A Beautiful Mind, it explores the life of a genius whose work left a lasting legacy.

The Man Who Knew Infinity by Robert Kanigel traces the life of Indian mathematician Srinivāsa Ramanujan from his humble beginnings and early display of exceptional talent to his groundbreaking collaboration with Cambridge mathematician G. H. Hardy. Despite numerous personal and cultural obstacles, Ramanujan produced pioneering work that significantly impacted mathematics. The book also highlights the critical role of Hardy in Ramanujan's journey and their extraordinary partnership. Themes of illness, cultural displacement, and colonialism are present.

Robert Kanigel

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Man Who Knew Infinity and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Man Who Knew Infinity Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Man Who Knew Infinity Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 The Man Who Knew Infinity Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2 The Man Who Knew Infinity Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3 The Man Who Knew Infinity Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 The Man Who Knew Infinity Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 The Man Who Knew Infinity Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6 The Man Who Knew Infinity Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 7 The Man Who Knew Infinity Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 8 The Man Who Knew Infinity Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Man Who Knew Infinity Key Figures

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Themes

The Man Who Knew Infinity Themes

Index of Terms

The Man Who Knew Infinity Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

The Man Who Knew Infinity Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Man Who Knew Infinity Essay Topics

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

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Man Who Knew Infinity?

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Book Details