<P>A must-read for mathematicians, scientists and engineers who want to understand difference equations and discrete dynamics</P><P>Contains the most complete and comprehenive analysis of the stability of one-dimensional maps or first order difference equations. </P><P>Has an extensive number of applications in a variety of fields from neural network to host-parasitoid systems. </P><P>Includes chapters on continued fractions, orthogonal polynomials and asymptotics. </P><P>Lucid and transparent writing style </P>