Six Degrees
  • Published: 1 June 2004
  • ISBN: 9780099444961
  • Imprint: Vintage
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $22.99

Six Degrees

The New Science of Networks

Buy from…
Amazon Booktopia Dymocks QBD Readings Find local retailers Find local retailers Abbeys Angus & Robertson Boomerang Collins Fishpond Gleebooks Harry Hartog Kinokuniya Robinsons The Nile Your Bookstore

A truly eye-opening and comprehensive study of the power and influence of networks; a thrilling tale of interconnectedness.

'Six degrees of separation' is a cliche, as is 'it's a small world', both cliches of the language and cliches of everyday experience. But it's also an intriguing idea with a long history and some surprising implications. We all live in tightly bonded social networks, yet linked to vast numbers of people more closely than we sometimes think. Scientists have begun to apply insights from the theoretical study of networks to understand forms as superficially different as social networks and electrical networks, computer networks and economic networks, and to show how common principles underlie them all.


Duncan J. Watts explores the science of networks and its implications, ranging from the Dutch tulipmania of the seventeenth century, the success of Harry Potter, the impact of September 11th on Manhattan, to the structure of the world wide web.
  • Published: 1 June 2004
  • ISBN: 9780099444961
  • Imprint: Vintage
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $22.99
Categories:
Share…

About the author

Duncan Watts

An Australian, born in Canada, Duncan Watts went on to teach at Columbia University in New York. He is the author of Six Degrees.

Praise for Six Degrees

The insights here are fairly mind-blowing

Independent

Accessible and engaging

Nature

A fascinating read

Good Book Guide

Watts looks at the new science of connectivity studies in a new and informative way...he takes us on a fascinating tour of a newly emerging subject

Focus

Watt's theory is exciting for various reasons, but particularly because it brings together ideas from mathematics, physics and the social science. Oh, and popular culture, of course

Independent on Sunday