Networks shape our world, bridging nature and technology, and offer a lens to reveal the unseen truths of how everything interacts.
About the Book
According to mathematician Anthony Bonato, the hidden world of networks permeates our lives in astounding ways. From Bitcoin transactions to neural connections, his book explains how networks shape everything from political landscapes to climate patterns and how deceptively simple dots and lines can unveil the wonders of technology, society, and even nature.
From a fresh and startling look at the true impact of clever keywords in politicians’ social media posts to a fun breakdown of survival strategies in reality TV shows, Bonato shows us how network theory operates everywhere. Each chapter focuses on a unique aspect of networks to reveal how they provide a captivating lens for bringing diverse phenomena into clearer focus.
The book offers an accessible snapshot of networks for anyone curious about what makes the modern world tick. Bonato’s insights will give readers a deeper appreciation and understanding of networks and their relevance to our everyday lives.
“Delightfully nerdish… Bonato, a reliable and affable narrator, gives a rigorous survey of network applications—connecting a veritable network of facts, figures and fascinations.” -Siobhan Roberts, Wall Street Journal.
Dr. Anthony Bonato is a globally recognised expert in graph theory and network science. He has authored over 150 papers and eight books, including Dots and Lines: Hidden Networks in Social Media, AI, and Nature (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025).