Introduction to Graph Theory

by Richard J. Trudeau

Book Overview

A stimulating excursion into pure mathematics aimed at "the mathematically traumatized," but great fun for mathematical hobbyists and serious mathematicians as well. Requiring only high school algebra as mathematical background, the book leads the reader from simple graphs through planar graphs, Euler's formula, Platonic graphs, coloring, the genus of a graph, Euler walks, Hamilton walks, and a discussion of The Seven Bridges of Konigsberg. Exercises...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486678709
• ISBN13: 9780486678702
• Release Date: February 1994
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Very Good Introduction

This book provides a good but not rigorous great introduction to graph theory. The best audience is someone with mathematical ability but little education beyond high school or introductory math. That is, knowledge of analysis or higher is not required. Having finished this book, one could go on to the book entitled graph theory by the same publisher. It's hard to beat Dover's prices and selection for math books. The style of the book is conversational except for one more proof-oriented chapter. At the end of each chapter are graded problems with answers, a great plus for self-study.

Wonderful

Wonderful book to read! If you want to get started in graph theory, this is your first stop. Go through all the proofs and problems, and you're on your way!

Nice Introduction

One of the better Dover books I've picked up... but keep in mind it is a (very basic) introduction. The book gives an introduction to graph theory (take the "introduction to" part of the title very seriously). To give an idea of the depth of this book, I read this book in about 6 hours prior to taking a course in graph theory (an undergraduate and graduate student mixed course), and the material in the book was covered in class in about 4 lectures (there were about 30 lectures in the course). This isn't to say the book isn't good (because it is), but I just have to emphasize it is a basic introduction. What gives this book 5 stars is that it was written very well and made the material very interesting. I would recommend this book to someone looking to understand the very basics of graph theory, but I would not to someone looking for a thorough introduction to graph theory. For reference, titles of chapters: 1) Pure Mathematics; 2) Graphs; 3) Planar Graphs; 4) Euler's Formula; 5) Platonic Graphs; 6) Coloring; 7) The Genus of a Graph; 8) Euler Walks and Hamilton Walks.

Concise and very well explained

Chapter on planar graphs is superbly done, with very easy to understand proofs and plenty of illustrations. Overall, a great introductory text

A fascinating start into graph theory.

Mr. Trudeau has done a fabulous job of introducing graph theory in a way which is understandable and intellectually provocative. He mentions that some of the problems are easy, and that some have been unsolved. In both cases, they both are fully illustrative of the subject matter. If you want to begin exploring graph theory, this book is for you!