45 pages • 1 hour read
A Mathematician's Apology
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Book Brief
153
Biography • Nonfiction
1940s
1940
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 1940, A Mathematician’s Apology, by G. H. Hardy, is an extended essay on why people study mathematics and how its logical purity, much more than its usefulness in daily life, makes it a worthy pursuit. Hardy was one of the 20th century’s most important mathematicians. His work in math analysis and number theory, coupled with his high standards of logical proof, helped advance mathematics and increase its rigor. Hardy’s discovery of—and work with—untutored math genius Srinivasa Ramanujan is his best-known contribution to the field. The book contains a biographical Foreword by Hardy’s friend, celebrated English scientist and author C. P. Snow. The book’s Foreword briefly discusses suicide.
Contemplative
Informative
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
G. H. Hardy's A Mathematician's Apology delves into the aesthetic pleasure and inner workings of pure mathematics, offering introspection into a mathematician's mindset. Praised for its eloquence and intellectual depth, it is marred by a sense of elitism and dated views. Nonetheless, it remains a poignant reflection on the beauty and purpose of mathematical pursuit.
Who Should Read A Mathematician's Apology?
A reader who relishes the beauty and creativity of mathematics, appreciates intellectual reflections, and enjoys autobiographical insights into a mathematician's mind would find A Mathematician's Apology by G. H. Hardy captivating. Comparable to works like Richard Feynman's Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!, it appeals to those who love scientific philosophy.
7,923 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Srinivasa Ramanujan
Srinivasa Ramanujan
An Indian self-taught mathematical genius who collaborated with G. H. Hardy at Cambridge. He made significant contributions to number theory and was regarded by Hardy as his greatest mathematical discovery.
Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell
A distinguished mathematician and philosopher, known for his anti-war activism during World War I and collaboration on "Principia Mathematica." He was a close friend and influence on G. H. Hardy.
John Littlewood
John Littlewood
A mathematician associated with Cambridge who worked closely with G. H. Hardy on number theory and mathematical analysis. Known for achieving major advances in mathematics through his long-term partnership with Hardy.
C. P. Snow
C. P. Snow
A physicist and novelist who authored the Foreword to Hardy's "A Mathematician's Apology" and was admired for his friendship with Hardy, which was characterized by their shared love of cricket and mutual intellectual respect.
153
Biography • Nonfiction
1940s
1940
Adult
18+ years
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