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THE QUEST FOR GROTHENDIECK

FERMENT PRESS

Roy Lisker

Many mathematicians believe that Alexandre Grothendieck is the greatest living mathematician, even though his productive research ended in 1975. Grothendieck, who is French, has always been politically engaged, with a reputation for eccentricity. In the 70's, from a teaching post in Montpellier , he directed his energies to disarmament and organic farming. Then, in the 80's he disappeared, his address known only to a few friends.

In May of 1988, the Swedish Academy awarded him the Crafoord Prize with a stipend of about $160,000. Grothendieck stunned the world by rejecting it. In his letter to Le Monde he spoke of nepotism, dishonesty and a kind of politics of science that he refused to endorse . He also hinted at personal visions indicating an inexorable Holocaust followed by a Golden Age.

I was in France at the time and formed the resolve to find him. The search was difficult and adventurous, but I eventually caught up with him. We took a liking to each other and he shared his ideas with me on the arms race, the state of mathematics, science politics and so on. The story of my search , our conversations and their sequel, was serialized in my newsletter Ferment in 1989 . Seven articles have been written, three more are planned after I go back to France and try to find him, as he has once again disappeared.

The first set of seven may be purchased for $15.
I will inform you when the next three are ready.

Send check or money order payable to

Roy Lisker, 12 Frazier Ave Middletown, CT 06457

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