"Chaos theory is the study of the way tiny changes in the way things are now can have enormous consequences in the future. It is an intuitive idea, and yet one that is driving a profound new understanding of the physical sciences. Revealing the fascinating ways that chaos arises in the real world - from global warming and weather forecasting to gambling in casinos - Leonard Smith provides an accessible and up-to-date introduction to one of the most exciting and fast-growing areas in mathematics and science today."--Jacket.