Chaos Under Control: The Art and Science of Complexity [Paperback]

David Peak (Author), Rhonda Roland Shearer (Foreword), Benoit B. Mandelbrot (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0716724294 | ISBN-13: 978-0716724292

Chaos Under Control introduces the rich concepts driving the new science of complexity. Here you will discover the principles behind some of the most talked-about research findings of our time and see some astonishing examples and applications. And with the book's supplementary software, you can turn a Macintosh computer into a window of discovery, to watch fractal and chaotic phenomena come to life. "...outstanding book ...Their wide-ranging discussion of complexity is a mixture of fascinating description, unexpected examples, fancy graphics and equations." Times Higher

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: W H Freeman (March 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0716724294
• ISBN-13: 978-0716724292
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #328,348 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too Little Color and Not Enough Exercises, August 21, 2005

By 

David Doster (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chaos Under Control: The Art and Science of Complexity (Paperback)

CHAOS UNDER CONTROL lies somewhere between a standard textbook on chaos and fractals and the more popular works on the subject. There are suggested experiments to be performed by the reader, but no sets of exercises at the end of sections or chapters. I chiefly want to warn potential buyers that the paperback edition contains 16 "color plates" that are unfortunately reproduced in black and white. The discussion of the plates by the authors refers repeatedly to the colors, which are indeed significant. Many of the other black and white figures scattered throughout the text would provide the reader with more information (and enjoyment) if reproduced in color. If you wish to purchase this book, at least try to find a hard cover edition with true color plates.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good introduction to chaos and fractals, October 10, 2005

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chaos Under Control: The Art and Science of Complexity (Paperback)

Chaotic dynamics is one of the most fascinating areas of mathematics and one that every mathematician should have some knowledge of. This book is an excellent primer on the geometry of fractals, chaotic dynamics and cellular automata. It is written for a popular audience, although the authors were not afraid to include the appropriate equations when they were needed for a full explanation. Many examples of how fractals and chaos can be used to describe the physical world are included. A large number of figures are used to demonstrate the consequences of the equations.
If your background in mathematics is limited to basic algebra, then there are areas of this book that you will struggle with. However, if you are determined to learn, you will be able to do so. It is one of the best introductions to fractals and chaos that is available.

4 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars examples and activities give you a real feel for chaos, April 21, 2000

By 

C. Doner (Luxembourg) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chaos Under Control: The Art and Science of Complexity (Paperback)

As a teacher attempting to introduce chaos theory into high school physics and mathematics classes, the book gave many examples of practical activities. It also gave many examples of how chaos could and would become useful. There are currently so many false methods being used to integrate subject matter in education; chaos theory has great potential to demonstrate clear connections between arts, sciences, and social sciences, and Peak and Frame in a simple manner bring this to light.