The Man Who Knew Infinity: Life of the Genius Ramanujan

Central to the story are the powerful influences of Ramanujan’s mother and the great English Mathematician, Godfrey Harold Hardy. If his mother, Komala shaped the first part of Ramanujan’s life, then surely Hardy must take full credit for bringing Ramanujan’s prodigious talents to the attention of the world Mathematical community. Other prominent characters also figure in the story – notably Ramanujan’s many friends, Narayana Aiyer, Gopalachari, leading lights in the Indian Mathematical establishment, members of the ruling British classes, Sir Francis Spring, the Governor of Madras Presidency, xxxx, and Cambridge Mathematicians, Neville, Littlewood.

The book presents a touching portrait of Ramanujan the man: an orthodox Vaishav Bhraman, steeped in Hindu culture with all the attendant characteristics of a deeply spiritual outlook, a calm self-assurance about his abilities, and most of all, an obsession with Mathematics. Hardy, his mentor, is also biographed as the passionately atheist, Winchester educated son of a middle class schoolmaster who went up to Cambridge, and at the turn of the 20th century, almost single handed masterminded the rise of English Pure Mathematics.


A book you will read in one go   July 12, 2002
 10 out of 12 found this review helpful

I had heard of Ramanujan before, but not being a mathematician myself, I never read anything on him so I bought this biography by Kanigel. I like the style in which it is written, it makes easy reading and keeps you fascinated throughout the book. I read it in 1-2 days. The book not only covers the mathematics and collaboration with Hardy in detail but also the tremendous 'sufferings' Ramanujan had to undergo, and the culture clash between the West and India.

The book is worth the money. The only drawback I can think of is the cheap look and feel of the paperback edition. This book is certainly worth to be published in hardcover edition. I give it 4 stars because way too many books in Amazon get overrated by 5 stars and I don't want to fool people. If you are like me, with no background in Ramanujan, just buy this book, it is very good.


A superb account of the life of the genius Ramanujan.   July 10, 2001
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Kanigel weaves an entriguing biography from his extensive research into the life of Ramanujan. This text follows Ramanujan's journey from intellectual isolation to mathematical enlightenment and the universal acclaim he deserved and desired. Cultural aspects of his Indian background and the ensuing shock of Cambridge are conveyed convincingly. The author makes an unusual effort to explain mathematical concepts and he succeeds in creating a book that will enthrall mathematicians and non-mathematicians alike.


Once started, difficult to put down!   October 19, 2000
 8 out of 10 found this review helpful

Robert Kanigel's research into the Ramanujan phenonenon is impressive. I knew very little about this genius and his contributions to pure mathematics. I can now claim to be well informed thanks to the author whose narrative is excellent. I could almost visualise the life Ramanujan led in Kumbakonam, Madras and Cambridge.

It is shame that neither Trinity College, Cambridge nor Madras University have been inclined to establish a Chair in Mathematice to commemorate this extraordinary man and his deep insight into numbers.

An excellent read. Recommended.