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Clifford A. Pickover
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Computers, Pattern, Chaos and Beauty Kindle Edition

by Clifford A. Pickover (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
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Combining fractal theory with computer art, this book introduces a creative use of computers. It describes graphic methods for detecting patterns in complicated data and illustrates simple techniques for visualizing chaotic behavior. "Beautiful." — Martin Gardner, Scientific American. Over 275 illustrations, 29 in color.
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  1. Print length
    416 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Dover Publications
  5. Publication date
    July 12, 2012
  6. File size
    61831 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Computer graphics reveal hidden relationships in complex systems, make confusing data understandable and provide scientists and mathematicians with a tool for discovery and problem-solving. Featuring 200 black-and-white computer images and eight pages in color, this sourcebook includes programming exercises and mathematical recreations. Though most of the narrative requires advanced mathematical understanding, the general reader will find the computer artwork intriguing. The sounds of human speech yield snowflake-like patterns; Art Nouveau-ish images emerge out of mathematical relationships; structural changes in biomolecules produce graphics resembling galaxies and whirlpools. Diligent readers will gain an appreciation of how computer imaging helps scientists simulate plant tendril growth, analyze the Shroud of Turin, unravel the structure of cancer genes and investigate spiral patterns in DNA and galaxies' arms. Pickover is an editor at Computers and Graphics.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Author

Loaded with stunning computer-generated images, I attempt to reveal an entirely new way of seeing. Topics include: computers and creativity; lateral thinking; hidden patterns in nature, music, genetics and sounds; musical snowflakes, fractal speech, the Shroud of Turin, genesis fractals, biomorphs, chaos, synthesizing nature, cellular automata, ornamental patterns, symmetry, mathematics and beauty, and much more.

Here is what others have said about the book:

"Chaos and fractals are revolutionary topics these days as they find increasing applications in science, pure mathematics, and computer graphics. Dr. Clifford Pickover, long at the center of this cyclone, has produced a truly stunning survey of its manifold consequences. No informed layperson, artist, scientist, or mathematician should pass up the experience of stepping through the portals of this beautiful book into the fantastic new worlds that computers are now exploring in the way a telescope or microscope explores the awesome wonders of nature." - Martin Gardner

"Pickover takes the reader on a stimulating odyssey through the world of computer graphics, a world that surprisingly involves the Shroud of Turin, snowflakes, and the genes that cause cancer." - Paul Hoffman

"A spectacular encounter between the art of the mathematician and the mathematics of art." - Ian Stewart

"A cornucopia of visual ideas, Pickover's book unveils one eye-catching vista after another at the frontiers of scientific and mathematical visualization." - Ivars Peterson, Science News

"It is unfortunate that modern Western man has come to perceive the arts and the sciences as separate, conflicting lines of human endeavor. Pickover's book reunites these disciplines with a marriage of substantive technical content and expertly crafted prose." -Ben Bacon

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00A73FHAS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications (July 12, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 12, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 61831 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Clifford A. Pickover

Clifford A. Pickover

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From my publisher:

Clifford A. Pickover received his Ph.D. from Yale University and is the author of over 30 books on such topics as computers and creativity, art, mathematics, black holes, religion, human behavior and intelligence, time travel, alien life, and science fiction.

Pickover is a prolific inventor with dozens of patents, is the associate editor for several journals, the author of colorful puzzle calendars, and puzzle contributor to magazines geared to children and adults.

WIRED magazine writes, "Bucky Fuller thought big, Arthur C. Clarke thinks big, but Cliff Pickover outdoes them both." According to The Los Angeles Times, "Pickover has published nearly a book a year in which he stretches the limits of computers, art and thought."

The Christian Science Monitor writes, "Pickover inspires a new generation of da Vincis to build unknown flying machines and create new Mona Lisas." Pickover's computer graphics have been featured on the cover of many popular magazines and on TV shows.

His web site, Pickover.Com, has received millions of visits. His Blog RealityCarnival.Com is one of his most popular sites.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
14 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

chung hsieh
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
excellent!
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J. MOLDOVAN
5.0 out of 5 stars A Renaissance work
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2007
Clifford A. Pickover is a Renaissance man. He may not like the label but for me it is one of the highest accolades of intellectual accomplishment. A quick scan through this book is enough to confirm his standing: mathematics, computer programming, art, medicine, music, speech, biochemistry, electronics, education, biology, aesthetics etc. etc. It's all there.

This is one of my favourite books and is getting quite dog-eared by the constant use it gets. It is a book to enjoy as well as to refer-to, a book to cheer you up and to fill you with wonder. Not that it is perfect mind you. Far from it. It is now quite dated and the illustrations could do with a decent makeover. The treatment is often abrupt and episodic and the writing is sometimes hurried and muggy. But who cares! The overall effect is of frenzied genius and lively enquiry.

My main interest was in Chapter 14. Dynamic Systems. It is not an in-depth treatment by any means but it yields some beautiful ideas. I implemented and experimented with most of the algorithms in the chapter. They work and provide some essential insight into the evolutionary nature of most complex systems.

Get the book. The reference list by itself is worth the price.
8 people found this helpful
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Michael Cammer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun for the amateur programmer
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2003
Perhaps for the new century the technology is a bit out of date, but this book is a well written introduction to both basic and complex computer graphical ways of describing mathematics and natural phenomena.
An excellent feature of the book is its pseudocoding used to explain concepts and to be used by the reader as stepping off points for the amateur computer programmer to play.
4 people found this helpful
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