Differential Games: A Mathematical Theory with Applications to Warfare and Pursuit, Control and Optimization (Dover Books on Mathematics) [Paperback]

Rufus Isaacs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 20, 1999 | Series: Dover Books on Mathematics

One of the definitive works in game theory, this volume takes an original and expert look at conflict solutions. Drawing on game theory, the calculus of variations, and control theory, the author solves an amazing array of problems relating to military situations, pursuit and evasion tactics, athletic contests, and many more. Clearly detailed examples; numerous calculations. 1965 edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (January 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486406822
• ISBN-13: 978-0486406824
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #240,487 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Differential Games, March 25, 2001

By 

Prof. (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Differential Games: A Mathematical Theory with Applications to Warfare and Pursuit, Control and Optimization (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

This is the original book on differential games. It is as relevant today as when it was written nearly 40 years ago. The book introduces all the main concepts and equations in differential games. This is achieved without recourse to heavy theorems or proofs. A central feature is the use of many and varied examples of differential games; the homoicidal chauffeur, wars of attrition, pursuit with a rocket, etc. These bring the whole field alive with potential. Another element is the use of geometry and pictures to describe game evolution. This book is a must for anyone interested in modern autonomous systems.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read on differential games, June 4, 2008

By 

Nikhil Karnad (Minnesota, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Differential Games: A Mathematical Theory with Applications to Warfare and Pursuit, Control and Optimization (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

Accounts some of the game theoretic problems encountered by Isaacs during his work at the RAND Corporation. A must read for scholars interested in game theory. Has a lot of interesting cases of military and non-military applications.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars God I wanted to undersgtand this book..., August 27, 2010

By 

Naked Pagan (Cleveland OH) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Differential Games: A Mathematical Theory with Applications to Warfare and Pursuit, Control and Optimization (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

Im a programer by trade and dabble with AI. This book sounded totally fascinating and I really wanted to get into it...but now I remembered why I switched to IT from enginering.

I should have realized 'Differental' meant 'differental calculus'. I could understand some of the narrative, but I got lost, remarkly fast, in the proofs...and there are a lot of them. When I heard it contained plenty of examples and explainations, I thought I would be okay, but no, not here.

So I rated it 3 stars. This is more an reflection of my expectations than the material itself.I'm sure its an excellant book, but if you dont know what a lemma is, or haven't heard of a "Taylor Expansion", I would recomend you find something a little less frustrating.