Small Worlds — The Dynamics of Networks between Order and Randomness: 36 (Princeton Studies in Complexity)

Duncan J. Watts

85 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by Princeton University Press, United States, New Jersey, 2003

0691117047 / 9780691117041

Series: Book 10 of 16 - Princeton Studies in Complexity

  • Softcover
  • Used
See all details

Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United KingdomWorldofBooks

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since March 16, 2007

View this seller's items
Softcover

Condition: Used - Very good

£ 24.22

£ 5.60 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 4 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

Everyone knows the small-world phenomenon: soon after meeting a stranger, we are surprised to discover that we have a mutual friend, or we are connected through a short chain of acquaintances. In his book, Duncan Watts uses this intriguing phenomenon--colloquially called "six degrees of separation"--as a prelude to a more general exploration: under what conditions can a small world arise in any kind of network? The networks of this story are everywhere: the brain is a network of neurons; organisations are people networks; the global economy is a network of national economies, which are networks of markets, which are in turn networks of interacting producers and consumers. Food webs, ecosystems, and the Internet can all be represented as networks, as can strategies for solving a problem, topics in a conversation, and even words in a language. Many of these networks, the author claims, will turn out to be small worlds. How do such networks matter? Simply put, local actions can have global consequences, and the relationship between local and global dynamics depends critically on the network's structure. Watts illustrates the subtleties of this relationship using a variety of simple models---the spread of infectious disease through a structured population; the evolution of cooperation in game theory; the computational capacity of cellular automata; and the sychronisation of coupled phase-oscillators. Watts's novel approach is relevant to many problems that deal with network connectivity and complex systems' behaviour in general: How do diseases (or rumours) spread through social networks? How does cooperation evolve in large groups? How do cascading failures propagate through large power grids, or financial systems? What is the most efficient architecture for an organisation, or for a communications network? This fascinating exploration will be fruitful in a remarkable variety of fields, including physics and mathematics, as well as sociology, economics, and biology. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.

Seller Inventory # GOR002923276

Title
Small Worlds — The Dynamics of Networks between Order and Randomness: 36 (Princeton Studies in Complexity)
Author
Duncan J. Watts
Publisher
Princeton University Press, United States, New Jersey
Publication year
2003
Condition
Very Good
Binding
Paperback
Language
English
ISBN 10
0691117047
ISBN 13
9780691117041
Item weight
408 grams
Dimensions
152.0 x 235.0
Series
Book 10 of 16: Princeton Studies in Complexity

WorldofBooks

Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since March 16, 2007

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item7 to 12 business days5 to 9 business days
First item£ 5.60£ 12.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Store description

In 2002, World of Books Group was founded on an ethos to do good, protect the planet and support charities by enabling more goods to be reused. Since then, we've grown into to a global company pioneering the circular economy. Today, we drive the circular economy through three re-commerce brands: - Wob: Through Wob, we sell. We provide affordable, preloved books and media to customers all over the world. A book leaves our collection of over seven million titles and begins a new chapter every two seconds, enabling more goods to be reused. - Ziffit: Through Ziffit, we buy. We give people around the world the opportunity to contribute to the circular economy, earn money and protect the planet, by trading their unwanted books and media. - Shopiago: Through Shopiago, we help others. By sharing the technology that has grown World of Books Group into the business it is today, we’re helping charities increase revenue and reduce waste through re-commerce.

Specialty

COOKERY, RECYCLE, CHARITY, USED BOOKS, MODERN, HISTORY, CHILDRENS, FICTION, CHEAP BOOKS, NON -FICTION

Seller's business information

World of Books Ltd

Mulberry House, Woods Way Trading Estate
Goring-By-Sea, United Kingdom BN12 4QY