Its subjects include Christopher Columbus, Coco Chanel, Indira Gandhi, Al Capone and Kafka. The life of mathematician Alexandre Grothendieck, probably one of the greatest mathematicians of the 20th century (see Tangente 162, 2015, which includes two articles by Pierre Cartier), was the subject of a five-part series this summer.
These episodes trace Grothendieck's journey (1928–2014), from his childhood to the end of his life, when he withdrew to the Pyrenees, obsessed with Evil. They also discuss the importance of his mathematical work and his environmental activism.
Numerous first-hand accounts bring the story to life. The series will fascinate anyone seeking to understand the life and work of this exceptional, unconventional mathematician. Die-hard enthusiasts can follow it up by reading (or rereading!) *Récoltes et semailles*, published by Gallimard in 2022.
Listen here:
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](http://www.radiofrance.fr/franceculture/podcasts/serie-alexandre-grothendieck-legende-rebelle-des-mathematiques)
