The Engine of Complexity: Evolution as Computation
The Engine of Complexityis a well-written and erudite book of great importance. It promises to be the best single introduction to the informational concept of evolution, all while being clear and easy to read.(Geoffrey M. Hodgson, University of Hertfordshire)Wide ranging, ambitious, and clearly written, John E. Mayfield'sThe Engine of Complexityshows how information flowing down the ages in genes, thoughts, and words, guided only by the invisible hand of selection, has built everything from beetles and human brains to steam engines, space shuttles, and iPads. It will open your eyes to a different way of seeing the world.(Mark Pagel, University of Reading, author ofWired for Culture: Origins of the Human Social Mind)John E. Mayfield succeeds beautifully in making computational and biological concepts understandable to the non-expert reader. He suggests we are about to see a sea-change in our thinking with respect to how we view evolution in our society; he may be right, and his book is good reading to ready yourself for this potential change.(Alan G. Atherly, Iowa State University)