Introducing Chaos: A Graphic Guide (Introducing (Totem Books))

Introducing Chaos: A Graphic Guide (Introducing (Totem Books)) Review

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I've read a number of books on Chaos/Complexity, and found this one to be fine. I think my favorite was the one by Mitchell M. Waldrop "Complexity: the Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos."

At any rate, for the audience for which the book is intended, which is someone who wants an easy-to-read introduction on chaos, I think the book is perfectly adequate.

Introducing Chaos: A Graphic Guide (Introducing (Totem Books)) Feature

• ISBN13: 9781848310131
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

"Introducing Chaos" explains how chaos makes its presence felt in many varieties of event, from the fluctuation of animal populations to the ups and downs of the stock market. It also examines the roots of chaos in modern mathematics and physics, and explores the relationship between chaos and complexity, the new unifying theory which suggests that all complex systems evolve from a few simple rules.This is an accessible introduction to an astonishing and controversial theory that could dramatically change our view of the natural world and our place in a turbulent universe.

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Customer Reviews

Solid background - Bob Barr - New Orleans, LA USA
This is a well-reasoned, carefully thought out book that allows for a good introduction of the subject of Chaos. I wish that the volume was a bit more of a "populist" volume (like Larry Gonick used to write and draw), but that might be a bit too much to ask these days.

OK, but something missing... - David Jenkins -
I'm a fan of the Introducing series. I don't want to be too critical of this book, but I was a bit disappointed. I did learn a little more than I knew before I read it, but as many of the reviews say, the organization is a bit "chaotic" to the point where you feel you're never given a true overview of the subject. An introduction to any topic should at least try to leave you with some framework of organization for the topic as a whole.

You can probably learn as much about Chaos theory by reading the Wikipedia article. If I'm going to buy a book, I want something more. Perhaps a deeper exploration into one practical application of Chaos theory that shows it as a real science with a purpose. One is almost left with the impression that Chaos theory is more a post-modern criticism of western science rather than a true alternative explanation of phenomenon.


Jul 07, 2010 09:05:08