Aimed at a general readership, the text makes accessible complex subjects such as Chaos and Fractals. It includes a wealth of the author's own illustrations and features appendices on related topics.
Equally suitable as a gift for a youngster or as a nostalgic journey back into the world of mathematics for older readers, John Barnes' book is the perfect antidote for anyone whose maths lessons at school are a source of painful memories. Where once geometry was a source of confusion and frustration, Barnes brings enlightenment and entertainment.
Mr Barnes' principal achievements have been in the area of computer programming language design.
He designed the language RTL/2 whilst with ICI. This was widely used in the 1970s and 80s for process control in the UK, the Netherlands and South Africa. It still lingers in use in a number of systems (eg the Thames Barrier).
He was a member of the Ada language design teams. Ada is widely used in safety critical applications such as those found in defence systems generally, avionics, air traffic control and railroad signalling.
He has published eight books:
Programming in Ada went through four editions and was translated into six other languages. Revised versions are entitled Programming in Ada 95 and Programming in Ada 2005. Combined total sales of these books are over 150,000.
Mr Barnes has given many lectures and tutorials on various aspects of programming. Although moving towards retirement he still gives occasional lectures including lectures for postgraduate courses at the University of York.
He has published many papers, this list gives just two from his early career in ICI, a milestone paper when Ada emerged, and a pair of recent reflective papers.
Recently, he has rediscovered an interest in mathematics and has given a number of courses at the University of Reading as part of their Continuing Education program.