Extremal Graph Theory

The ever-expanding field of extremal graph theory encompasses a diverse array of problem-solving methods, including applications to economics, computer science, and optimization theory. This volume, based on a series of lectures delivered to graduate students at the University of Cambridge, presents a concise yet comprehensive treatment of extremal graph theory. Unlike most graph theory treatises, this text features complete proofs for almost all of its results. Further insights into theory are provided by the numerous exercises of varying degrees of difficulty that accompany each chapter. Although geared toward mathematicians and research students, much of Extremal Graph Theory is accessible even to undergraduate students of mathematics. Pure mathematicians will find this text a valuable resource in terms of its unusually large collection of results and proofs, and professionals in other fields with an interest in the applications of graph theory will also appreciate its precision and scope.

Problems in extremal graph theory have traditionally been tackled by ingenious methods which made use of the structure of extremal graphs. In this book, an update of his 1978 book ""Extremal Graph Theory"", the author focuses on a trend towards probabilistic methods. He demonstrates both the direct use of probability theory and, more importantly, the fruitful adoption of a probabilistic frame of mind when tackling main line extremal problems. Essentially self-contained, the book does not merely catalog results, but rather includes considerable discussion on a few of the deeper results. The author addresses pure mathematicians, especially combinatorialists and graduate students taking graph theory, as well as theoretical computer scientists. He assumes a mature familiarity with combinatorial methods and an acquaintance with basic graph theory. The book is based on the NSF-CBMS Regional Conference on Graph Theory held at Emory University in June, 1984.

An in-depth account of graph theory, written for serious students of mathematics and computer science. It reflects the current state of the subject and emphasises connections with other branches of pure mathematics. Recognising that graph theory is one of several courses competing for the attention of a student, the book contains extensive descriptive passages designed to convey the flavour of the subject and to arouse interest. In addition to a modern treatment of the classical areas of graph theory, the book presents a detailed account of newer topics, including Szemerédis Regularity Lemma and its use, Shelahs extension of the Hales-Jewett Theorem, the precise nature of the phase transition in a random graph process, the connection between electrical networks and random walks on graphs, and the Tutte polynomial and its cousins in knot theory. Moreover, the book contains over 600 well thought-out exercises: although some are straightforward, most are substantial, and some will stretch even the most able reader.

From the reviews: "Béla Bollobás introductory course on graph theory deserves to be considered as a watershed in the development of this theory as a serious academic subject. ... The book has chapters on electrical networks, flows, connectivity and matchings, extremal problems, colouring, Ramsey theory, random graphs, and graphs and groups. Each chapter starts at a measured and gentle pace. Classical results are proved and new insight is provided, with the examples at the end of each chapter fully supplementing the text... Even so this allows an introduction not only to some of the deeper results but, more vitally, provides outlines of, and firm insights into, their proofs. Thus in an elementary text book, we gain an overall understanding of well-known standard results, and yet at the same time constant hints of, and guidelines into, the higher levels of the subject. It is this aspect of the book which should guarantee it a permanent place in the literature." #Bulletin of the London Mathematical Society#1

The ever-expanding field of extremal graph theory encompasses an array of problem-solving methods, including applications to economics, computer science, and optimization theory. This volume presents a concise yet comprehensive treatment, featuring complete proofs for almost all of its results and numerous exercises. 1978 edition.

Graphs & Digraphs, Seventh Edition masterfully employs student-friendly exposition, clear proofs, abundant examples, and numerous exercises to provide an essential understanding of the concepts, theorems, history, and applications of graph theory. This classic text, widely popular among students and instructors alike for decades, is thoroughly streamlined in this new, seventh edition, to present a text consistent with contemporary expectations. Changes and updates to this edition include: • A rewrite of four chapters from the ground up. • Streamlining by over a third for efficient, comprehensive coverage of graph theory. • Flexible structure with foundational Chapters 1–6 and customizable topics in Chapters 7–11. • Incorporation of the latest developments in fundamental graph theory. • Statements of recent groundbreaking discoveries, even if proofs are beyond scope. • Completely reorganized chapters on traversability, connectivity, coloring, and extremal graph theory to reflect recent developments. The text remains the consummate choice for an advanced undergraduate level or introductory graduate-level course exploring the subject’s fascinating history, while covering a host of interesting problems and diverse applications. Our major objective is to introduce and treat graph theory as the beautiful area of mathematics we have always found it to be. We have striven to produce a reader-friendly, carefully written book that emphasizes the mathematical theory of graphs, in all their forms. While a certain amount of mathematical maturity, including a solid understanding of proof, is required to appreciate the material, with a small number of exceptions this is the only pre-requisite. In addition, owing to the exhilarating pace of progress in the field, there have been countless developments in fundamental graph theory ever since the previous edition, and many of these discoveries have been incorporated into the book. Of course, some of the proofs of these results are beyond the scope of the book, in which cases we have only included their statements. In other cases, however, these new results have led us to completely reorganize our presentation. Two examples are the chapters on coloring and extremal graph theory.

Stimulating and accessible, this undergraduate-level text covers basic graph theory, colorings of graphs, circuits and cycles, labeling graphs, drawings of graphs, measurements of closeness to planarity, graphs on surfaces, and applications and algorithms. 1994 edition.