Chaos became a branch of mathematics in the 20th century. In this 21st century, it has interesting and exciting possibilities. In Observations on Chaos, Helen Slade looks at the chaotic features of Life, Nature, People, Places and Science. Turbulence can be found in all these areas; from a state of mind (A Discourse on Depression) to what we have done to our planet (Ruination) and the violence of war (Boudicca's Curse). The 25 illustrations in this poetry book are her own paintings. In the portraits she has hoped to extract the visual essence of the subject, not a mere likeness.