Currently on the faculty of Granada University, Joaquin Marro earned a Ph.D. in theoretical physics (Barcelona, 1972) and a second one in computational physics (New York, 1975). He has authored or coauthored several books and near 200 research papers on statistical physics and on the creative use of computers, and has served in several international committees. He cofounded the Institute “Carlos I” for Theoretical and Computational Physics, and founded the biennial conference “Granada Seminar”.

From the book reviews: "This book, part of 'The Frontiers Collection' series, is a perfect introductory guide to the complex behaviors occurring throughout the world. Marro (Univ. of Granada, Spain) writes in an engaging manner, providing clear discussions about topics such as social networks, living systems, altruism, financial investment, percolation, risk taking, avalanches, consciousness, etc., and their relationship to each other. ... Summing Up: Recommended. All academic library collections." (F. Potter, Choice, Vol. 51 (11), July, 2014)

• A glance at the method.- The automata.- Chaotic and noisy.- Critical worlds.- Chance and necessity.- Size does not always matter.- Living things.- Interacting humans.- Epilogue.