Fractals: On the Edge of Chaos

by Oliver Linton

A unique new guide to the chaos of the natural world and the mathematics of fractals for anyone who has ever wanted to understand the patterns in leaves or the creation of snowflakes.

2,000 years ago Euclid of Alexandria devised a strategy for measuring and mapping the world using spheres, cones, circles, and straight lines. His modeling allowed for the invention of geometry and the theories of Isaac Newton and influenced subjects as varied as economics and ethics. But Euclid's neat solutions belied much of natural reality, and as technologies like satellite navigation were developed, scientists needed to find a more precise way to measure forms that didn't follow straight lines or easily measured curves. The solution, discovered in 1982, was fractals.

In this beautifully illustrated book, fractal-hunter Oliver Linton takes us on a fascinating journey into the mathematics of fractals, diving into everything from coastlines to carpets to reveal some of the most recently discovered and intriguing patterns in science and nature.

Genres: Mathematics, Science, Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Felix Delong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful little interjection of math and magic. It is almost like poetry. I love it.
Disclaimer:
I do believe that existence is fractal.
Universe is a quantum computer that is running a formula that generates a holographic fractal that our minds translate via Fourier transformation into what we call objective reality.
Maybe I'm slightly biased here =)

[Gijs Godderis · Rating 4 out of 5]

:)

[D'Ailleurs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ενδιαφέρουσα εισαγωγή στη φράκταλ παράνοια, με απλοποιημένη γλώσσα για εμάς που δεν τα πιάνουμε με τη πρώτη. Όταν το τελειώσετε θα ζωγραφίζετε φράκταλ όπου βρείτε.

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4.

I love the theories in physics, but it’s the math that my brain just can’t wrap its head around. I read the whole book, but there were definitely some dense pages of mathematical formulas that only got processed in my brain as word salad.

It’s hard to say: is a short mathematics book with pretty pictures meant for the general public? It can be argued that only a very particular person would pick up this book in the first place.

Of those that usually would pick up this book, I see little value in this book beyond being able to see beautiful illustrations that dry physics textbooks may not prioritize.

A pretty niche market for a book, but I still did enjoy the read for the theories. I’ll be picking up the seminal book on chaos theory that is still recommended as that is apparently much more accessible to the general public.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

ngl i just bought this for an essay but its a genuinely great read.

[Silvio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, a bit too mathematical and too little magical for me as a complete beginner, but still it doesn't change the fact that fractals are magic (or magic, life, is fractals).

[Sean Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I understand the math? No. Did I wonder in awe at simple rules turning into beautiful infinities? Yes.

[Gareth Willetts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like maths

[jaroiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

krása, kterou matematicky asi nepochopím

[Aiman Abdel-Samad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding. However, it needs a re-reading doing mathematics in parallel.

[Alexandru Tudorica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too short, too mathematical (but not enough to make sense). A lot more explanations would be necessary so that it's useful for someone not mathematically inclined. As mentioned at the end, Chaos by James Gleick is an excellent overview of the topic with the right depth.

[Victoria Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illuminating illustrations

Looking at visual math patterns in nature etc. Is comforting for me. This book is fun surely for math professionals , visual artists, and anyone who enjoys gorgeous patterns.

[Luca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know where I heard about this book, why I bought it, or honestly why I read it in the first place…but the visuals/art in this book are breathtaking