Networks of networks is an exciting new field, and this book about it is one of a kind. Indeed, a decade and a half ago scientists started to realize the importance of networks. Models of artificial networks and confirmation of universal topologies defining families of systems were found and introduced. But it is only recently that the next step has been taken, partially in response to the complexity of molecular biology with its many layers and the “omics” revolution from genomics to metabolomics to proteomics. These fields show that no network is completely independent of other networks, such as the grid and transportation networks of a country. Yet the book is very pragmatic and spends only the necessary space to explain, in a self-contained fashion, the theory needed to understand each of the contributions.

The book, divided into three parts (“Theoretical Approaches,” “Applications,” and “Phenomenological Models”), contains a wide range of topics from leaders in the area, and includes material ranging from financial networks to electrical and abstract networks. The leading experts in the area explain how the study of the resulting topologies and dynamics, and the behavioral transitions of networks that in turn may have different topologies and dynamics, can shed light on so many real-world problems and relevant applications.