The Nonlinear Universe: Chaos, Emergence, Life (The Frontiers Collection) - Tapa dura

From the reviews:

"The book begins with an engaging outline of the history of nonlinear science, followed by chapters on its main aspects, namely, chaos, solitons, and reaction-diffusion systems. ... The book charms with historical and personal vignettes. The bibliography contains 1,087, mostly referenced, entries. ... it is a must read for anyone in or near nonlinear science. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty." (J. Mayer, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (9), 2008)

"Alwyn Scott (1931-2007) completed this summary of his life’s study in December 2006 ... . This history book wonderfully summarizes ideas that were so important to him in a way that is largely accessible to ‘general readers who would understand science and for university undergraduates who would become researchers in or teachers of science.’ It also displays his humanity, charm, and broad-reaching interests and knowledge." (Robert E. O’Malley, SIAM Review, Vol. 50 (2), 2008)

Written in Alwyn Scott’s inimitable style, one that readers will find both lucid and accessible, this masterwork elucidates the explosion of activity in nonlinear science in recent decades. The book explains the wide-ranging implications of nonlinear phenomena for future developments in many areas of modern science, including mathematics, physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, and neuroscience. Arguably as important as quantum theory, modern nonlinear science is essential for understanding the scientific developments of the twenty-first century.