An Eye For Fractals: A Graphic And Photographic Essay (Studies in Nonlinearity) [Hardcover]

Michael Mcguire (Author), Benoit B. Mandelbrot (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0201554402 | ISBN-13: 978-0201554403 | Publication Date: July 21, 1991

Fractional geometry posits that a natural visual complexity can arise from iteration of simple rules and simple shapes. An Eye for Fractals is a fascinating study of the converse premise: that nature’s complexity implies an underlying simplicity that can be traced back to fractal geometry.The book effectively integrates art with science, illustrating the natural occurrence of mathematics and geometry in lava flows, kelp beds, cloud formations and aspen groves. The book is enhanced with more than 150 photographs and drawings, including some color illustrations. An Eye for Fractals is a beautiful introduction to fractal geometry, a graphic, visual approach that should appeal to all who feel the fascination of this artful mathematics.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (July 21, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201554402
• ISBN-13: 978-0201554403
• Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,743,129 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful journey through math and nature, October 19, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Eye For Fractals: A Graphic And Photographic Essay (Studies in Nonlinearity) (Hardcover)

One of the only fractal books available for non-mathematicians, An Eye for Fractals interweaves beautiful photographs of natural scenes with explanations of their fractal geometric characteristics. It gives enough information about fractals for a beginner to understand what they are and how they apply to nature. Its photography makes it a perfect book to leave out on the coffee table.

Fractal geometry is revolutionizing the way that scientists perceive the universe and its underlying order. Anyone can benefit greatly from this understanding by reading this book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars beautiful BW photographs, August 8, 2003

By 

Howard Mcpherson (Cleveland, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Eye For Fractals: A Graphic And Photographic Essay (Studies in Nonlinearity) (Hardcover)

I just got this book from the library. It many well printed BW photographs. There is some math discussion on fractals but there is no discussion of computer software for generating fractals pictures. Still a great book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science and art, together again, October 9, 2009

By 

bernie "xyzzy" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: An Eye For Fractals: A Graphic And Photographic Essay (Studies in Nonlinearity) (Hardcover)

I was aware of fractals for some time and after watching a NOVA film "Hunting the Hidden Dimension" (2008). I went hunting for some of the many books by Benoit Mandelbrot. You can imagine my surprise with I tripped over this book, "An Eye for Fractals" by Michael McGuire.

Stacked up against other fractal works, this book has more stunning pictures both in quantity and quality. Even though the formulas are a tad complex with number lines and complex planes, the ideas on how to make and see fractals are quite clear.

If we were not enamored with fractal the book would stand on its own as great monochrome depictions of nature and monuments. There is one picture by Ansel Adams and the rest are by M McGuire. If you did not see the titles I challenge you to find the Adams picture.

Every time I read this book I get a different insight into the world of fractals and believe you will also.

Fractals: Hunting the Hidden Dimension (Blu-ray) [Blu-ray]