September 05, 2008
…is considered to be one of the greatest mathematicians of the 20th century. He made major contributions to algebraic geometry, homological algebra, and functional analysis. He was awarded the Fields Medal in 1966, and was co-awarded the Crafoord Prize with Pierre Deligne in 1988. He declined the latter prize on ethical grounds in an open letter to the media.
…In 1991, he left his home and disappeared. He is now said to live in southern France or Andorra and to entertain no visitors.