This book is a short overview of Gian-Carlo Rota’s life and his work. … In the current climate in which all research seems to be valued proportionately to its economic impact, the last chapter is of particular interest. Rota has argued that mathematics is threatened by ignorance and hostility towards its practitioners. … The last chapter also includes a complete bibliography of all of Rota’s philosophical writings.—David J. Hand, International Statistical Review, 80, 2012The book gives a deep look into the philosophical views of Gian Carlo Rota. … The first chapter starts with a biography of Rota, which is important to know for understanding the development of his philosophical views. … the author gives an elegant explanation of Rota’s openly negative attitude towards analytic philosophy. … the reader learns about the core of Rota’s philosophical studies. … The author explains that Rota followed the course of most classical philosophical thought in his analysis of mathematics and of its relation with objectivism. … [he also] examines the relation of mathematics to technological applicability and scientific progress. …—Peeler Müürsepp, Mathematical Reviews, 2012eThis admirable book by Fabrizio Palombi is an attempt to ‘figure out’ the life, work, and person of Gian-Carlo Rota. … we are indebted to Fabrizio Palombi for sifting through Rota’s memories and writings to help us understand him and his work.—From the Foreword by Robert Sokolowski