G. H. Hardy (7 Feb 1877 - 1 Dec 1947) was an eccentric British mathematician who worked extensively in mathematical analysis and analytical number theory alongside J.E Littlewood. He is perhaps even better known for his adoption and mentoring of the self-taught Indian mathematical genius, Srinivasa Ramanujan. Hardy wanted his work to be referred to as pure mathematics rather than applied mathematics. In his view, mathematics was not something to be used in social destruction and to fulfill political purposes.
Godfrey Harold Hardy FRS was a prominent English mathematician, known for his achievements in number theory and mathematical analysis.
Non-mathematicians usually know him for A Mathematician's Apology, his essay from 1940 on the aesthetics of mathematics. The apology is often considered one of the best insights into the mind of a working mathematician written for the layman.
His relationship as mentor, from 1914 onwards, of the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan has become celebrated. Hardy almost immediately recognized Ramanujan's extraordinary albeit untutored brilliance, and Hardy and Ramanujan became close collaborators. In an interview by Paul Erdős, when Hardy was asked what his greatest contribution to mathematics was, Hardy unhesitatingly replied that it was the discovery of Ramanujan. He called their collaboration "the one romantic incident in my life."
Poetically written, as can always be expected from Hardy. He provides fascinating background information on Waring’s problem while allowing his personality and wit to shine through. Hardy not only references many great minds such as Polyá and Hilbert, but also expounds upon his collaborations with Ramanjuan and Littlewood. Very easily digestible read as well.