Robert Kanigel
Robert Kanigel is an American author known for his biographies and works on science and technology. He is best known for his book 'The Man Who Knew Infinity', a biography of the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Apprentice To Genius
The Making of a Scientific Dynasty
This insightful narrative delves into the intricate world of scientific mentorship, chronicling the dynamic relationships between mentors and their protégés in the field of biomedical research. Through a series of compelling stories, the book explores how knowledge, skills, and the spirit of inquiry are passed down through generations, highlighting the profound impact of mentorship on scientific innovation and personal growth. It paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by both mentors and apprentices, offering a unique perspective on the collaborative nature of scientific discovery and the enduring legacy of intellectual lineage.
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2. The Man Who Knew Infinity
A Life of the Genius Ramanujan
A biography of Indian mathematical prodigy Srinivasa Ramanujan that traces his rise from poverty in Madras through a life-changing correspondence and collaboration with Cambridge mathematician G. H. Hardy, exploring their mathematical achievements, cultural clashes, personal sacrifices, illness, and the historical context that shaped his brief but extraordinary life.
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3. Faux Real
Genuine Leather and 200 Years of Inspired Fakes
A lively cultural and technological history of imitation leather and the broader industry of fakes, tracing two centuries of inventions, chemistry, manufacturing and marketing that transformed what consumers accept as “real.” The book follows the rise of patent leathers, coated fabrics and synthetic substitutes, examines the entrepreneurs, scientists and legal and economic forces behind them, and considers how notions of authenticity, value and taste are shaped by imitation. Through close attention to materials and markets, it shows how fake goods reveal changing attitudes toward authenticity, technology and consumer desire.
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