This biography illuminates the life of Ennio De Giorgi, a mathematical genius in parallel with John Nash, the Nobel Prize Winner and protagonist of A Beautiful Mind. Beginning with his childhood and early years of research and teaching, into his continued professorship and solution of the 19th problem of Hilbert, this book pushes beyond De Giorgi's rich contributions to the mathematics community, to present his work in human rights, including involvement in the fight for Leonid Plyushch's freedom and the defense of dissident Uruguayan mathematician José Luis Massera. Considered by many to be the greatest Italian analyst of the twentieth century, this volume illustrates De Giorgi in full through documents from and direct interviews with friends, family, and colleagues. "This English translation of the original book allows a wider audience to know the figure of such a great mathematician as Ennio De Giorgi." (Umberto Bottazzini, zbMATH 1493.01002, 2022)
"This is a remarkable work. ? Andrea Parlangeli has done a wonderful job in presenting a readable book overflowing with irresistible information: the detailed story of a brilliant and unusual mathematician, his own man, a practicing Catholic who lived his faith - indeed a pure soul: the book is perfectly titled. ? I recommend this book most enthusiastically." (Michael Berg, MAA Reviews, October 15, 2019)