Linked: The New Science of Networks

Synopsis

The main purpose of Linked is to introduce the science of networks to the general audience. It introduces the main models and properties of networks and their applications in areas of real life, such as the spread of epidemics, fighting against terrorism, handling economic crises or solving social problems of the society.

Barabási writes in the Introduction that Linked aims to get the reader to think networks. The book is about how networks emerge, what they look like, and how they evolve. It shows, the reader a web-based view of nature, society, and business, a new framework for understanding issues ranging from democracy to the vulnerability of the Internet and the spread of viruses, says Barabási.

Contents

Linked contains fifteen chapters (named links) that introduce different concepts and applications of networks:

• The First Link: Introduction
• The Second Link: The Random Universe
• The Third Link: Six Degrees of Separation
• The Fourth Link: Small Worlds
• The Fifth Link: Hubs and Connectors
• The Six Link: The 80/20 Rule
• The Seventh Link: Rich Get Richer
• The Eighth Link: Einstein's Legacy
• The Ninth Link: Achilles' Heel
• The Tenth Link: Viruses and Fads
• The Eleventh Link: The Awakening Internet
• The Twelfth Link: The Fragmented Web
• The Thirteenth Link: The Map of Life
• The Fourteenth Link: Network Economy
• The Last Link: Web Without a Spider

Reactions

Sidney Redner, leading physicist of Boston University, describes Linked In Nature as an entertaining introductory level book of modern science. He writes, “His enthusiasm is apparent throughout the narrative, a feature that makes for good reading. … I would enthusiastically recommend them to my own family members. It is remarkable and gratifying to see excellent popularizations of a burgeoning field of scientific research while many developments are still in progress.”

Ian Foster reviews Linked for Science: “…I found both books Linked and [Mark Buchanan’s Nexus] wonderfully revealing and thought provoking in terms of the broad relevance of the ideas and their future implications.”

A review by James Brody in Human Nature Review says: “Linked offers many heuristic possibilities if your interests are in genetic, neural, electronic, or social organizations. Much of the existing literature marvels at the beauty of complex organizations but doesn't take us past awe and eye candy. Yes, emergence exists but by what rules? Barabasi describes simple rules that may have tremendous power.”

New York Times business journalist William J. Holstein says: “Once you understand that concept, you're off on an intellectual detective journey. Professor Barabasi has invented a vocabulary to talk about the structure of networks.”

Blogcritics.org writes: “The joy of Albert-László Barabási's book, Linked: The New Science of Networks is that, after reading it, you can't look anywhere without seeing networks. … Buy the book. How often do you get a chance to radically alter your vision for less than $20?”

References

References

1. "Best Business Books 2002".
2. "Powell's Books | the World's Largest Independent Bookstore".
3. S. Redner. 2002. ’Networking Comes of Age: How an old concept has grown new wings’ [[Nature (journal). Nature]], Vol 418, July 2002: 127-128.
4. I. Foster. 2002. ’Unexpected Consequences of Connections’ [[Science (journal). Science]], Vol 297, August 2002: 1124-1125
5. J. Brody.2002. ’Linked: Barabasi ratifies Kauffman, demotes the social gene’ Human Nature Review, Vol 2, August 2002: 312-316
6. W.J. Holstein. 2002. ’Lessons From Networks, Online and Other’ [[New York Times]], 6/23/2002, p6
7. Copeland, Henry. (August 13, 2002). "Linked: Networks make the world go 'round".