The author's style, although quite concentrated, is simple to understand, and has many lovely visual examples to accompany formal ideas and concepts, which makes the exposition live and intuitvely appealing. (Olga K. Dudko, Journal of Statistical Physics, Vol 126)

Since the book treats intersections of mathematics, biology, engineering, computer science and social sciences, it will be of a great help to researchers in these fields in making statistical mechanics useful and comprehensible. At the same time, the book will enrich the subject for researchers-physicists who'd like to apply their skills in other disciplines. (Olga K. Dudko, Journal of Statistical Physics, Vol 126)

Prof. James P. Sethna is Professor of Physics, Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

• 1: What is Statistical Mechanics?
• 2: Random walks and emergent properties
• 3: Temperature and equilibrium
• 4: Phase-space dynamics and ergodicity
• 5: Entropy
• 6: Free Energies
• 7: Quantum statistical mechanics
• 8: Calculation and computation
• 9: Order parameters, broken symmetry, and topology
• 10: Correlations, response, and dissipation
• 11: Abrupt phase transitions
• 12: Continuous phase transitions
• <b>Appendix: Fourier methods</b>