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Chaos: Making a New Science

Chaos: Making a New Science

MathematicsScience
Pages
352
Published
1987
Language
English

Synopsis

Chaos: Making a New Science is a landmark account of the history and development of chaos theory, tracing the field from Henri Poincaré's early work on the three-body problem through Edward Lorenz's discovery of the butterfly effect to modern applications in meteorology, biology, and physics. James Gleick weaves together the mathematical breakthroughs, the scientists behind them, and the philosophical questions about predictability and order in a seemingly random world.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

IntellectualThought-ProvokingInspiring

Genres

Mathematics Science Music

About the author

J
James Gleick

James Gleick is an American author, historian of science, and sometime Internet pioneer whose work has chronicled the cultural impact of modern technology. Recognized for illuminating complex subjects through the techniques of narrative nonfiction, he has been called “one of the great science writers of all time". His books have been translated into more than thirty languages. - Wikipedia

Frequently asked questions

  • How does this book relate to the development of Jurassic Park?

    The scientific concepts and the narrative of chaos theory presented in this book served as a direct inspiration for the novel and film Jurassic Park.

  • What kind of recognition did this book receive upon its release?

    This work was a finalist for both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize in 1987.