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Men of Mathematics is both a biography, and an interesting primer on math that I enjoyed tremendously: http://www.amazon.com/Mathematics-Touchstone-Books-E-T-B

• evoxed 14y ago
  It should be noted that it is not considered the most factual account of any of the mathematicians it profiles, but rather a dramatic retelling of anecdotes and "hollywood gossip" [1]. That being said, it is certainly an entertaining read. [!] Truesdell, C. (1984). An idiot's fugitive essays on science: methods, criticism, training, circumstances. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. ISBN 0-387-90703-3. "Genius and the establishment at a polite standstill in the modern university: Bateman", pages 423 to 424