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.

Inspirational / Informative / Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet

- The book The Man Who Knew Infinity was adapted into a film of the same name in 2015, starring Dev Patel as Srinivasa Ramanujan and Jeremy Irons as G.H. Hardy.
- Robert Kanigel, the author of The Man Who Knew Infinity, has written numerous books that often explore the lives of notable scientists and intellectuals in history.
- The book explores the fascinating cross-cultural collaboration between an Indian mathematical genius and a British mathematician during the early 20th century, highlighting the power of intellectual partnership despite geographical and cultural differences.

**Srinivāsa Ramanujan**  
A pioneering mathematician from India known for his exceptional mathematical abilities, often attributed to divine inspiration, whose personal and professional life is explored against the backdrop of British-occupied India during World War I.

**G. H. Hardy**  
A prominent English mathematician who played a crucial role in recognizing and fostering Ramanujan's talent, known for his open-mindedness and professional relationship with Ramanujan despite their cultural and religious differences.

**Komalatammal**  
Ramanujan's mother, a strong-willed woman who was deeply influential in his life, instilling in him traditional Brahmin religious values and overseeing significant aspects of his personal life, including his marriage.

Robert Kanigel

Adult

Biography

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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

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Important Quotes

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

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