A Beginner's Guide to Graph Theory [Paperback]

W.D. Wallis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0817644849 | ISBN-13: 978-0817644840 | Publication Date: June 8, 2007 | Edition: 2nd

Concisely written, gentle introduction to graph theory suitable as a textbook or for self-study Graph-theoretic applications from diverse fields (computer science, engineering, chemistry, management science) 2nd ed. includes new chapters on labeling and communications networks and small worlds, as well as expanded beginner's material Many additional changes, improvements, and corrections resulting from classroom use

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "Altogether the book gives a comprehensive introduction to graphs, their theory and their application…The use of the text is optimized when the exercises are solved. The obtained skills improve understanding of graph theory as well… It is very useful that the solutions of these exercises are collected in an appendix." (Simulation News Europe) From the reviews of the second edition: "This book is a gentle introduction to graph theory, presenting the main ideas and topics … . It is accessible to everyone … . This introductory book is addressed to a mixed audience – undergraduate mathematics majors, computer scientists, engineers … . this book is ideal as well for self-reading. The style is always concise and the essential techniques are well highlighted … . It is highly recommended to any student, or working scientist, wishing to explore for the first time this fascinating area of mathematics." (Fabio Mainardi, The Mathematical Association of America, August, 2009)

From the Back Cover

Graph theory continues to be one of the fastest growing areas of modern mathematics because of its wide applicability in such diverse disciplines as computer science, engineering, chemistry, management science, social science, and resource planning. Graphs arise as mathematical models in these fields, and the theory of graphs provides a spectrum of methods of proof. This concisely written textbook is intended for an introductory course in graph theory for undergraduate mathematics majors or advanced undergraduate and graduate students from the many fields that benefit from graph-theoretic applications. Key features: * Introductory chapters present the main ideas and topics in graph theory—walks, paths and cycles, radius, diameter, eccentricity, cuts and connectivity, trees * Subsequent chapters examine specialized topics and applications * Numerous examples and illustrations * Comprehensive index and bibliography, with suggested literature for more advanced material New to the second edition: * New chapters on labeling and on communications networks and small-worlds * Expanded beginner’s material in the early chapters, including more examples, exercises, hints and solutions to key problems * Many additional changes, improvements, and corrections throughout resulting from classroom use and feedback Striking a balance between a theoretical and practical approach with a distinctly applied flavor, this gentle introduction to graph theory consists of carefully chosen topics to develop graph-theoretic reasoning for a mixed audience. Familiarity with the basic concepts of set theory, along with some background in matrices and algebra, and a little mathematical maturity are the only prerequisites. ----- From a review of the first edition: "Altogether the book gives a comprehensive introduction to graphs, their theory and their application…The use of the text is optimized when the exercises are solved. The obtained skills improve understanding of graph theory as well… It is very useful that the solutions of these exercises are collected in an appendix." —Simulation News Europe

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Birkhäuser Boston; 2nd edition (June 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0817644849
• ISBN-13: 978-0817644840
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,758,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Affordable but not accurate, September 13, 2002

By 

William Springer (Aurora, CO 80013) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Beginner's Guide to Graph Theory (Hardcover)

It's nice to have an affordable math book, and this one does give a good introduction to graph theory. Unfortunately, there are also mistakes (some of which REALLY should have been caught in proofreading) which could confuse someone attempting to learn graph theory from this book. (These are both in the text and in the answers provided for the problems, such as giving the wrong number for the length of a path)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars There are much better Graph Theory Books, August 22, 2007

By 

Stephan Hartwell "Stephan Hartwell" (Aurora, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Beginner's Guide to Graph Theory (Hardcover)

The errors in this text are unfortunate, and the presentation is not engaging. I did find that "A First look at Graph Theory" by Clark and Holton was useful and "Introduction to Graph Theory" by Chartrand and Zhang, was very readable.