Winner of the 2009 Euler Book Prize, awarded by the Mathematical Association of America for an outstanding book about mathematics. The Euler Prize citation reads:

"This book by Siobhan Roberts gives an intimate and engaging portrait of one of the most influential mathematicians of the last century. It also provides a mathematical history of those years, including the currents set in motion by Hilbert's 23 problems, the influence of Bourbaki, and the unexpected applications of mathematics to computer science, communications, information, crystallography, medical research, environmental studies, as well as art -- Coxeter's work directly inspired Circle Limit III by M.C. Escher. Above all, it gives a superbly readable account, in personal terms, of the search for beauty that sets mathematics in motion, and of the synergy of individual and group efforts that make it happen. It's an engaging page-turner, even for nonmathematically trained readers, and it will offer them an insider's look at the world of mathematics and the people who create it ... [The book] will also strike a special chord with mathematicians, because it honors the spirit of wonder and openness that Coxeter embodied in his approach to mathematics."