This is a comprehensive overview of a fascinating subject - complexity and self organising criticalities (some aspects of which may be better known as "chaos") but despite the lack of equations (I found only one) this is not for the uninitiated. This is a pity, because there is some really interesting stuff here, including discussions of artificial intelligence, and the interaction between science and art (Tom Stoppard, it seems, views play writing as a process of literary self organisation). If you are familiar with the field, though, you will probably find this a rewarding read.