V. I. Arnold reveals some unexpected connections between such apparently unrelated theories as Galois fields, dynamical systems, ergodic theory, statistics, chaos and the geometry of projective structures on finite sets. The author blends experimental results with examples and geometrical explorations to make these findings accessible to a broad range of mathematicians, from undergraduate students to experienced researchers.

"Throughout, Arnold's characteristic style of writing and thinking are evident. Ideas, intuitions, and well-presented examples abound, joined in only a few places by formal proofs... students and working mathematicians will find it accessible, provoctive, and maybe even inspiring."
Rafe Jones, Mathematical Reviews