I am fortunate to have read this book. Paul Erdos is an example of a stereotype of 'absentminded mathematician' but also is the counter-example of 'early genius'(he worked till his death). It is only fitting that a book on this 'travelling mathematician' not only details his life but also explains, most importantly, about other people who are important to mathematics.

The chronology is unclear. About half the book isn't about Erdos but about other mathematicians. Still manages to be one of the best biographies I've ever read.

3.5 stars, an average book about a great man, unfortunately the book is not structured well, it jumps back and forth, and goes off subject (Erdos)

can be read by non mathematicians

I wish I'd read this back when I decided I hate math. Tho I doubt I'd ever love trigonometry.

Interessant! Opoffering, ik denk het niet. Er zouden meer van die mensen moeten zijn. En we zouden ze op handen moeten dragen.

Overigens de NL versie op papier gelezen, zit helaas niet in Goodreads en ik heb geen goede ervaring met Goodreads boeken toe te laten voegen, al maanden, jaar geen reactie … dus die moeite neem ik niet meer.

Quite interesting, touches on politics as well as mathematics. A broad look at an interesting personality.

This might be my favorite book? And the best book? Admittedly, I was similarly raving about [b:The Maniac|75665931|The Maniac|Benjamín Labatut|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1679411721l/75665931._SY75_.jpg|101033256] earlier this year so, give me the books about prodigies, I guess? Maybe specifically Hungarian ones?

Anyway, I delighted in reading this on my own, and used it to introduce the concept of prime numbers to my 9 and 6 year olds, and they were pretty entranced. I mean, what a joy. There were a couple of aspects of Erdos that I initially found a little off-putting but don't let that stop me/you. I wish there were an updated version of this book that incoporates AI contributions - this book seems so old, and yet I remember the events at the "end," notably Andrew Wiles, and therefore I felt old, which is ok.

A charming book, both a bio of Erdos and a survey of the history of mathematics and mathematicians. I have to admit that I skipped around with some of the math concepts (a few I found deadly dull) but I thought most of the explanations were accessible to the layperson vaguely familiar with precalc. I identify very much with Erdos; not so much his personal quirks, but his method of working and collaborating, helping others to refine their thinking and make breakthroughs. I found that aspect of his story inspiring; hope I can be as encouraging and open to people as he seemed to be.