The Fascinating World of Graph Theory - by Arthur Benjamin & Gary Chartrand & Ping Zhang (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The history, formulas, and most famous puzzles of graph theory

Graph theory goes back several centuries and revolves around the study of graphs--mathematical structures showing relations between objects. With applications in biology, computer science, transportation science, and other areas, graph theory encompasses some of the most beautiful formulas in mathematics--and some of its most famous problems. The Fascinating World of Graph Theory explores the questions and puzzles that have been studied, and often solved, through graph theory. This book looks at graph theory's development and the vibrant individuals responsible for the field's growth. Introducing fundamental concepts, the authors explore a diverse plethora of classic problems such as the Lights Out Puzzle, and each chapter contains math exercises for readers to savor. An eye-opening journey into the world of graphs, The Fascinating World of Graph Theory offers exciting problem-solving possibilities for mathematics and beyond.

From the Back Cover

"In this attractive introduction to the world of graphs, the authors entice and enthuse readers through a number of fun problems which present various aspects of the subject. Many of these problems are familiar--the four-color problem, the Konigsberg Bridge problem, and 'instant insanity'--while others are less well known or of a more serious nature. This book can be used in different ways--as an entertaining book on recreational mathematics or as an accessible textbook on graph theory. I warmly recommend it."--Robin J. Wilson, author of Introduction to Graph Theory

"This is a beautiful introduction to graph theory! It is filled with fun material, clear explanations, and a nice collection of exercises. A great book."--William J. Cook, author of In Pursuit of the Traveling Salesman

"The Fascinating World of Graph Theory is wonderfully written. Entertaining applications appear first and the stories that accompany the examples go well beyond what most other books provide. This book is sure to gain a following."--Jonathan L. Gross, Columbia University

Review Quotes

"The Fascinating World of Graph Theory lives up to its name. It is hugely readable and very entertaining."---Luis Cereceda, Mathematical Gazette

"The Fascinating World of Graph Theory shows its pedagogic value. Traditional courseware develops subject matter from the bottom on up, going from basic definitions to the more complex. [This book] is different, not starting with the simplest structures or algorithms but with interesting problems to be solved, puzzles that use graphs and networks. . . . [It is] readable and 'student-friendly'--more so than the typical math textbook."-- "New York Journal of Books"

"

I am not going to try to list the topics that are covered, since there is a great variety. This breadth, along with the superb writing, make the
book a must-have for anyone with serious interest in graph theory.

"---James M. Cargal, UMAP Journal

"[The authors] have set out to make graph theory not only accessible to people with a limited mathematics background, but also to make it interesting. They have--by virtue of very clear writing, combined with a greater-than-usual emphasis on the historical and personal side of the subject--succeeded admirably."-- "MAA Reviews"

"A fun and interesting tour of graph theory, leaving each visitor with a feeling of accomplishment and a satisfying understanding of this unusual mathematical world. . . . This is an entertaining book for those who enjoy solving problems, plus readers will learn about some powerful mathematical ideas along the way!"-- "Choice"

"Deftly written and dynamic. . . .The Fascinating World of Graph Theoryis an aptly named book, able to present a wide variety of central topics in graph theory, including the history behind them. . . in a lively and entertaining manner. . . . A superb example of approachable mathematical writing."-- "SIAM Review"

"Here is a book with an enjoyable mix of mathematics and its applications, spiced with liberal amounts of history and anecdote. . . . The value of books like this is that they make mathematics come alive to a broad range of readers who might not look twice at a textbook or monograph."---Norman Biggs, London Mathematical Society Newsletter

"One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2015"

"The authors manage to motivate all topics with interesting applications, historical problems and discussion of concepts from an intuitive point of view."---Radu Trîmbitas, Studia Mathematica

"The book is written masterfully; the narrative in each chapter flows naturally, engagingly. . . . [I]t's a popular but also comprehensive introduction into graph theory."---Alexander Bogomolny, Cut the Knot blog

About the Author

Arthur Benjamin is professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College. Gary Chartrand is professor emeritus of mathematics at Western Michigan University. Ping Zhang is professor of mathematics at Western Michigan University.