First recognized in 1665 by Christiaan Huygens, synchronization phenomena are abundant in science, nature, engineering and social life. Systems as diverse as clocks, singing crickets, cardiac pacemakers, firing neurons and applauding audiences exhibit a tendency to operate in synchrony. These phenomena are universal and can be understood within a common framework based on modern nonlinear dynamics. The first half of this book describes synchronization without formulae, and is based on qualitative intuitive ideas. The main effects are illustrated with experimental examples and figures, and the historical development is outlined. The remainder of the book presents the main effects of synchronization in a rigorous and systematic manner, describing classical results on synchronization of periodic oscillators, and recent developments in chaotic systems, large ensembles, and oscillatory media. This comprehensive book will be of interest to a broad audience, from graduate students to specialist researchers in physics, applied mathematics, engineering and natural sciences.

‘… the authors … have pulled off a very difficult trick, that of writing a book that is both a definitive introduction to synchronization for the casual reader and a definitive text for researchers working in a variety of fields.’

William Ditto Source: Nature

‘... has all the hallmarks of a classic. It is currently unique … Every scientist working in the area will want a copy of this book, and every science librarian should buy one. No doubt it will run through many editions, and deservedly.’

Source: Contemporary Physics

'In an unconventional but excellent pedagogical choice, Arkady Pikovsky, Michael Rosenblum and Jürgen Kurths begin by discussing synchronization without resorting to equations. It succeeds brilliantly.'

Source: Physics Today

‘… stands out from the word …’

Source: Mathematics Today