author : Clifford A. Pickover

on fractals and chaos

This book is an unfortunate mishmash of underdeveloped ideas. Each 'chapter', a reprint from a column, is a mere three or four pages long, barely space to describe the theme, sketch some simple developments, then list a few references.

The themes range broadly: fractals and chaos, number theory, computer developments, with observations ranging from deep puzzles to trivial surface patterns (for example, I fail to have any deep interest in properties of numbers that hold only in base 10).

Some topics can be done justice in this limited space -- I liked the use of Moiré patterns to detect loose screws, for example. But most of the topics would benefit from more background, and deeper exploration.

A disappointing sequel.