Chance and Chaos

How do scientists look at chance, or randomness, and chaos in physical systems? In answering this question for a general audience, Ruelle writes in the best French tradition: he has produced an authoritative and elegant book--a model of clarity, succinctness, and a humor bordering at times on the sardonic.

"The book is an excellent read, either at one gulp or as chapter-by-chapter snacks."---Robert M. May, Nature

"Sets out the basics with precision, concision, and humor. . . . [Some books], perhaps the best books, are to be read for the pleasure of the author's company. Ruelle's book falls into [that] category."---Tony Rothman, The New Republic

". . . by one of the founders of the rapidly developing field of nonlinear dynamics and chaos. . . . The book is a tour de force."---Malcolm S. Longair, Natural History

"Step by step, Mr. Ruelle introduces concepts needed to understand the physical landscape of chance and chaos, explaining the meaning of probability, the ways of turbulent fluids, and the mathematical value of information. . . . Throughout, Chance and Chaos is spiced with the author's dry wit and unsparing judgments about scientists and science. . . . [This is] an expertly guided tour of some of the fundamental issues in the world of physics."---David Voss, The New York Times Book Review