Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos

This is my favorite book on the science of Complexity. You won't find any how-to's. This book is the story of several pioneers of the science and the Santa Fe Institute. Think of it more as a history book then as a science book.

If you are interested in Artificial Life, you'll be interested in the story of Christopher Langton. You may have seen his name on the cover of compilations on the subject.

The book was published in 1992. But because it's a history book, I don't think you'll find it to be outdated. I found it fascinating to discover there was a whole institute and individuals dedicated to this stuff. It inspired me in my own work to develop CA (cellular automata) based maze solvers and 3D Life programs. I hope you'll find it just as interesting.

Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos by M. Mitchell Waldrop