Customer Reviews

Chaos Under Control: The Art and Science of Complexity

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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.

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.

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.