Most advances can be thought of as evolutionary, but in describing the contents of this book, one is tempted to add a soft r in front of the e. If fractal image compression lives up to its early promise, then the r should be made a very hard one. One seemingly inviolable law of computing is, ''Data will expand to fill all available memory, whether it be RAM, hard drive or floppy disk. It will also expand to exceed the capacity of any medium of data transfer''. As those who work with transferring large data sets understand, much of the recent success is due to the quality of the data compression algorithms rather then to improvements in the hardware. Compression utilities are now commonly bundled with many systems, for example, DOS 6.0.
To illustrate the potential impact of fractal compression, we take the following paraphrased quote from the introduction to the book. '' Encarta is a multimedia encyclopedia on a single CD... . In addition to an exhaustive collection of articles it contains seven hours of sound, 100 animations, 800 color maps... more than 7,000 photographs... and all encoded in less than 600 megabytes of data. All of the pictures are stored using fractal compression techniques." The mathematics used to obtain such rates of compression is thoroughly explained, but it is not easy to understand. Presented in the standard form of theorem followed by proof, some background in real analysis and linear algebra is essential to understand the heavier ideas. But it is well worth it, as some of the results are truly astonishing. Most impressive is the ability to zoom in on the images without significant loss of clarity. C source code solutions to some of the problems are included.
There is no doubt in my mind that by the end of this decade, exposure to fractals will be an essential component of the undergraduate major in applied mathematics. The majority of pure math programs will also include some exposure. While futurists dispute the consequences, there is universal agreement that the rapid transfer of enormous amounts of data will be the driving economic and entertainment force of the next several decades. Fractal compression techniques appear to be the leading candidate to provide the necessary degree of compacting.
Suitable for a course in the mathematics of fractals or an advanced seminar in data compression, this book should be required reading for all applied mathematicians. It is truly one of the most fascinating books that I have ever encountered.

Published in Mathematics and Computer Education, reprinted with permission.

With code and example Barnsley leads your through some very hard concepts. I really like that he has covered the topic of information compression so well for the traditional archiving methods. A must for anyone serious about fractals. Your unique Associates ID is: thefractaltransl.

I am Louisa Barnes Pratt's great-great-great-great granddaughter and my mother gave me this book to read a while ago. It is not only inspirational but it is a fascinating description of LDS History.

This book follows a strong woman through a fascinating life filled with trials, tribulations, joys and surprises. It gives a view into the pioneer life from a, most of the time, single mother's perspective. Louisa Barnes Pratt is a testament to her faith in God and her will to follow her convictions and beliefs at any cost. I would recommend this book to anybody interested in history and women's issues!

Set in rural Kentucky around WWII, this book is so good, it should replace Huckelberry Finn as "the great american novel". It is ashamed that it isn't better known, but unfortunately Arnow-Simpson is thought of as a regional writer. This is a very deep book, but it also has some very funny parts. Her description of pre-consumerism country life is very detailed and insightful. She saw how the world was changing, and captured a piece of it that is now long gone. I'm not even an hunting type, and I wanted to go out and get a couple of hounds after reading this. Better even than The Dollmaker, and not half as sad. Highly Recommended!

This book captures the spirit, character, and complexities of the mountain people of eastern Kentucky better than any other I have read. The individuals are simple, strong-willed, and proud like many of the people I grew up with. The descriptions of the landscape are detailed, accurate, and compelling as I remember them. For anyone interested in a better understanding of the depth of human character explained in a very readable way, this is a terrific book

I can easily understand why this book is so famous. Little Women is one of the best books I've ever read. Its heartwarming and spirited tale has made me laugh, and cry. There aren't words to describe its internal beaty, and I can't understand how a book like this one isn't sold for millions. It truly holds a special place in my heart.

This was a wonderful tale of four sisters growing up during the civil war. It also continues afterwards. They are also poverty stricken. Even though this book was written in the 1800's people today can still relate to the warmth and genuine personalities of the characters. It is also beautifully written and I was hanging on every word. It is a wonderful book for people of all ages.

The unusual approach taken by Delamar here, is to give a biography of Louisa May Alcott, but then follow it up with an entire section devoted to Alcott's most famous book, "Little Women" as it was viewed from 1868 on, and then take both scholars' and average readers' assessments of it's place today. I liked that. It gave dimension. I think it shows scholarly research, but is written in language the average reader can read.

This triple-look at author Louisa May Alcott presents information I'd not seen in many of the other biographies. The special "finds" are a real contribution to literature. The book overall is scholarly, yet quite accessible in readability.

Mujercitas really made me wonder about the opportunity we all have to live a life full of joy. Made me also wonder how come most of us do not apprecite and value this opportunity given. With this book I have decided that I will, even if others don't, that's up to them. In addition, made me think about the family I once had and with a little more forgiveness, It could return to me. Read the book, if you are into the sentimental type, but if you are Stone-Cold don't waste your time!!!.

I think Mujercitas is a wonderfull book, which tell us about human kind. It teaches us to love each other ant tha the best things in life are those you can not buy with money.

As a Seattle native who grew up near Seattle's Musesum of History and Industry, I found this to be an enjoyable story of the first white settlers we often call Seattle's "pilgrims." One of my favorite spots in the museum was the diorama of the early settlers on a rainy-looking Alki Point with their roofless log cabin.

As an elementary school librarian, I have recommended this book as a read-aloud to our fourth grade teachers, where the history of Washington State is covered in our curriculum. What we've discovered is that, while factually interesting, the boys get turned off to the love story that weaves in and out. Now we mainly recommend this to upper elementary girls, and those who do read it end up wanting to read more titles in the series.

I've only read the first book in this series, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but my wife is currently devouring, and loving, the next titles in the series.

Readers who know the streets of Seattle will begin to recognize where many of the names came from. Personally, I grew up near Louisa Street. I wonder where that name came from?

For people interested in Washington State, Seattle, or the Oregon Trail, this book is highly recommended. This title was recommended by the Washington State Centennial Committee back in 1989.

I have read this book a couple of times and have been very impressed with the writers research on the facts and history of Seattle. Living in Seattle for 10 years I learned a little bit about how Seattle got started but I found that this book written as a love story kept my interest. When I am down town and see the street names and see the different buildings I remember the stories I've read from the Sweetbriar series. I love these books. Other cities should follow suit.

It is great,
and when I read it
I knew it was fate!

All Louisa's Books are
fantastic,
that I would want to got to
the atlantic!

She inspired me
and filled me with glee!

She gave me the courage
to write poems
at a very young age!

She is as great like
J.K Rowling
that they should go BOWLING!

They are both talented writers
their stories even spark up
like lighters!

She writes about a life
that can always makes you
wish that it was true!

She made a story that
can't be forgotten
easily,
so I bet she made heartily!

She gave life to 4 little
women and made them
part of our lives, that we go looking for
more of her hives!

She teaches values lesson
in a different way,
that everyone has got something to
say!

She showed us real talent
and even made her own patent!

She gave us the family that
we have always dreamed of
in our daily lives, and it seems
that she lived such a life!

She made us cry
and made us laugh
but she never told a lie,
her story is oh! so true
that if I didn't finish it
I would feel blue!

So I thank her for making such a story
that all I care about now are
hers and J.K Rowling's Books!!

This was an amazing thriller. It kept me reading until the end. I do not usualy like thrillers, but Miss Alcott makes it very interesting, mysterious with the slightest bit of romance. I would highly recomend it.

Beth is picking apples in her great aunt's orchard when she discovers a ragged boy stealing apples. Beth comes to know the boy, Sean O'Neill, and his Irish immigrant family better. Mrs. O'Neill is widowed and can't find a job, and Sean and his two little sisters are starving and dressed in rags. Beth is determined to come up with a plan to help them. But does it mean stealing from her great aunt?