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Genius who shuns the limelight Perfect Rigor: A Genius and the Mathematical Breakthrough of the Century by Masha Gessen Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: 2009. 256 pp. $26
Mathematics rarely makes the news. One exception was the proof of the century-old Poincaré conjecture in 2003. When Russian mathematician Grigory 'Grisha' Perelman posted his solution on the Internet, people took notice. Experts found that it was correct and Perelman was awarded the highest honour in maths, the Fields Medal, by the International Mathematical Union in 2006. Yet the laureate refused to attend the award ceremony in Madrid, leaving King Juan Carlos, who was to present the medal, waiting in vain. Media interest again soared: here was a long-haired weirdo who had flouted the King, thus confirming every prejudice about mathematicians. Tales of priority disputes and plagiarism quickly followed.
Given his supreme problem-solving ability and eccentric behaviour, Perelman's personality begs analysis. Perfect Rigor fills that need. Science writer Masha Gessen...