Items related to How Nature Works : The Science of Self-Organized Criticality
Synopsis
Self-organized criticality, the spontaneous development of systems to a critical state, is the first general theory of complex systems with a firm mathematical basis. This theory describes how many seemingly desperate aspects of the world, from stock market crashes to mass extinctions, avalanches to solar flares, all share a set of simple, easily described properties.
"...a'must read'...Bak writes with such ease and lucidity, and his ideas are so intriguing...essential reading for those interested in complex systems...it will reward a sufficiently skeptical reader." -NATURE
"...presents the theory (self-organized criticality) in a form easily absorbed by the non-mathematically inclined reader." -BOSTON BOOK REVIEW
"I picture Bak as a kind of scientific musketeer; flamboyant, touchy, full of swagger and ready to join every fray... His book is written with panache. The style is brisk, the content stimulating. I recommend it as a bracing experience." -NEW SCIENTIST
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Review
. . . In print, at least, what might seem arrogant comes across as a kind of innocent, childlike enthusiasm, a lack of concern for anything but the sheer joy of figuring things out. His ruthless simplifications of geology, evolution, and neurology pay off because, as Bak notes, his models describe behavior that is common across these domains. This universality means that trampling across others' turf is not only acceptable, but almost mandatory, if the underlying principles are to be exposed. Finally, for the most part, Bak wants the reader to grasp the basic logic of his arguments; only rarely does he try to persuade with flights of poetic language or brute intellectual authority.
About the Author
Per Bak is a professor in the Physics Department of Brookhaven National Laboratory. He has published over 150 papers, including articles in Scientific American and New Scientist.
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- PublisherOxford University Press
- Publication date1997
- ISBN 10 0198501641
- ISBN 13 9780198501640
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages225
- Rating
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How Nature Works: The Science of Self-Organized Criticality
Published by
Oxford University Press, 1997
ISBN 10: 0198501641
ISBN 13: 9780198501640
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Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,650grams, ISBN:9780198501640. Seller Inventory # 8961423
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How Nature Works: The Science of Self-organized Criticality
Published by
Oxford University Press, 1997
ISBN 10: 0198501641
ISBN 13: 9780198501640
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Hardcover
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Stock Image
How Nature Works: The Science of Self-Organized Criticality
Published by
Oxford University Press, 1997
ISBN 10: 0198501641
ISBN 13: 9780198501640
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,650grams, ISBN:9780198501640. Seller Inventory # 5576282
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
How Nature Works: The Science of Self-Organized Criticality
Published by
Oxford University Press, 1997
ISBN 10: 0198501641
ISBN 13: 9780198501640
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in fair condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,650grams, ISBN:9780198501640. Seller Inventory # 9193917
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How Nature Works the Science of Self-Organised Criticality
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Oxford University Press, Oxford Melbourne Tokyo, 1997
ISBN 10: 0198501641
ISBN 13: 9780198501640
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