The biography of a mathematical giant. Paul Erdős was the most prolific pure mathematician in history and, in some ways, the most peculiar as well. A first-class mathematical giant, Paul Erdős was completely obsessed with his subject—thinking and writing mathematics for nineteen hours a day until his death. He traveled constantly, living out of a plastic bag, and had no interest in food, sex, companionship, art—everything that is usually necessary for a human life. In this wonderful biography, Paul Hoffman offers us a vivid and strangely moving portrait of this unique individual, highlighting not only Erdős's brilliance and eccentric nature but also his warmth and sense of humor, the joy of his peculiar life.' Oliver Sacks

For six decades, Erdős had no job, hobbies, wife, or home; he never learned to cook, do laundry, or drive a car, and died a virgin. Instead, he traveled around the world with his mother by his side, arriving at the doors of great mathematicians declaring 'My brain is open.' He traveled until his death at the age of 83, racing across four continents to prove as many theories as he could, fueled by a diet of espresso and amphetamines. With more than 1,500 publications, a daily routine of 19 hours of mathematics seven days a week, Paul Erdős was one of the most extraordinary thinkers of our time.

Pages: 320, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm