The Colours of Infinity: The Beauty and Power of Fractals

In this review of The Colours of Infinity the author Nigel Lesmoir-Gordon presents a thoughtful companion to the work of Benoit Mandelbrot, and the book's single biggest reason to buy is its vivid marriage of visual fractal art and accessible explanation. This enhanced and expanded edition includes an additional chapter on money markets by Mandelbrot and a re-mastered DVD of the film with new fractal animations, making it valuable to readers who want both historical context and striking imagery. The tone here is evaluative and aimed at readers curious about the science and visual culture of fractals.

Key Features

• Expanded edition: Includes an additional chapter on the money markets by Benoit Mandelbrot that connects fractal concepts to finance.
• Remastered DVD: The accompanying film DVD has been re-mastered with new fractal animations to showcase the visual range of fractal imagery.
• Historical perspective: Traces the deep roots of fractal geometry and explains how ideas assembled since 1975 form a coherent view.
• Authorial vision: Nigel Lesmoir-Gordon provides a curator's narrative that ties the science to accessible visual presentation and storytelling.
• Interdisciplinary appeal: Bridges mathematics, geometry, and visual art so readers from multiple backgrounds can appreciate fractals.

Who It's For

This book is best for readers with an interest in mathematical ideas presented through images and historical narrative, including students of geometry, visual artists exploring algorithmic patterns, and curious lay readers who want a readable entry into Benoit Mandelbrot's influence. The clear emphasis on both explanation and illustrations makes it a good resource for classroom reference or coffee-table browsing.

Those seeking a textbook full of rigorous proofs or an exhaustive technical manual of fractal mathematics should look elsewhere; while the book explains concepts and context, its strengths lie in exposition, visual material, and the supplementary DVD rather than formal theorem-by-theorem development.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Beautiful, remastered fractal animations on the DVD enhance understanding through visual demonstration.
• The added chapter by Mandelbrot gives authoritative insight into real-world applications like money markets.
• Nigel Lesmoir-Gordon frames fractal history and ideas in an engaging, accessible way for non-specialists.
• Combines science and art so readers gain both conceptual clarity and visual appreciation.

Cons

• Not a substitute for a formal mathematics textbook, so readers wanting rigorous proofs may be disappointed.

Specifications

Title	The Colours of Infinity: The Beauty and Power of Fractals
Author / Curator	Nigel Lesmoir-Gordon
Contributor	Benoit B. Mandelbrot (additional chapter)
Edition	Enhanced and expanded edition
Includes	Re-mastered DVD of the film with new fractal animations
Subject	Fractals, geometry, visual science

Our Verdict

The Colours of Infinity is a rewarding purchase for readers who value a visually rich, historically minded introduction to fractals and Mandelbrot's influence; the remastered DVD and the added chapter on money markets add clear value. It is not a formal mathematics textbook, but as an illustrated exploration that links science and art it delivers strong educational and aesthetic returns for its price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include new material?
Yes, the edition is enhanced with an additional chapter by Benoit Mandelbrot on the money markets and a re-mastered DVD of the film with new animations.

Is the book suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is accessible to curious beginners and visual learners though it does not replace a technical academic text.

Does the package include multimedia?
Yes, the release includes a DVD that presents remastered fractal animations accompanying the book.