|  | Author: Steven H. Strogatz
Publisher: Westview Press
List Price: $56.00
Buy New: $41.36
as of 11/22/2009 07:30 CST details
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New (24) Used (16) from $33.00
Seller: pbshop
Rating:  33 reviews
Sales Rank: 44792
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Pages: 512
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6 x 1.1
ISBN: 0738204536
Dewey Decimal Number: 530
EAN: 9780738204536
ASIN: 0738204536
Publication Date: January 18, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new book delivered from the UK in 10-14 days.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 21-25 of 33
Excellent introduction and reference text March 7, 2003
Reviewer (Near Columbus, OH United States)
67 out of 68 found this review helpful
It is rare that books of this type are both comprehensive and readable. Strogatz has managed to cover a wide range of concepts in significant detail while providing examples to illustrate his major points.
The beginning of the text starts of with one dimensional nonlinear systems of first order (like the logistic equation), and Strogatz outlines the typical framework that one uses to analyze such systems. He defines fixed points, illustrates and defines bifurcations, and solidifies every claim with good examples.
The text eventually moves to higher order systems with coupled or non-coupled sets of differential equations. For the most part, exercises for the student involve sets of two differential equations that can be linearized using Jacobian methods.
Later, Strogatz provides a nicely executed description of fractals and fractal dimension, using examples from the Cantor set and the von Koch curve.
The beauty of the book is that it is well written and complete. It even provides some limited solutions to selected exercises in the back. The examples in the book cover a wide range of areas. Mechanical oscillating systems like a mass on a spring, electrical circuits that follow the same equations, laser models that follow a modified logistic equation, and many variations of the Lotka-Volterra model are outlined through examples in the text.
The book is a stand-alone text, equally useful as a textbook for an intorductory course or as a reference for someone merely surveying the subject. It deserves the highest rating possible.
Edit: 2/28/07
Now with a few years of hindsight, I would say this might have been the best stand alone textbook I had in grad school. This was one of the few books I had where I could teach myself the subject matter by just reading it. It is a great book that takes the mysticism out of a new and growing field.
 Intuitive introduction, lacks rigor December 16, 2002
K. Braithwaite (inkster, MI USA)
3 out of 7 found this review helpful
This is a fairly friendly, intuitive introduction to non-linearity, with an emphasis on bifurcations. There is a very brief discussion of fractals. It is probably most suitable for a 3rd or 4th year course. The level of mathematical rigor is a bit low, which will make the book easier for engineers and physicists but may leave mathematicians unprepared for a more advanced course.
Perfect introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos August 8, 2002
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
If you have read about Chaos and Nonlinear Dynamics and you wish to delve deeper into the mathematics behind the theories then this is the book for you. Strogatz is an excellent writer with an uncanny ability to make advanced concepts seem amazingly simple. The exercises and examples make this book perfect for the motivated self-learner. I must warn you however that you had better be at least somewhat familiar with ODE before you dive into this text. I strongly recommend this book!
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! November 20, 2001
Rajesh Kumar Venugopal (Syracuse,Ny)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
It is an astoundingly simple book. A book that takes you into the world of chaos with examples from Romeo & Juliet ( I enjoyed it most) to more serious stuff. The author's love for the subject shines through every word he writes. Lots of simple examples all the way hold your attention as you explore this exciting field.A must for beginners in nonlinear dynamics.
Captivating January 9, 2001
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I can't add much to what the people here have already said. They are all pretty much right on the mark. It was my first exposure to a text that developed equations for star-crossed lovers! One thing I would like to add is, it could have used a little more rigor, for there are instances when in a class the course text is all you have to go on, but the references were helpful. This book is a "gateway," I went out and bought the Guckenheimer and Holmes text "Nonlinear Oscillations, Dynamical Systems, and Bifurcations" as soon as the class ended.
Showing reviews 21-25 of 33
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