Graph Theory 1736-1936

Building on a set of original writings from some of the founders of graph theory, this book traces the historical development of the subject through a linking commentary. The relevant underlying mathematics is also explained, providing an introduction to the subject for students.

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First published in 1976, this book has been widely acclaimed both for its significant contribution to the history of mathematics and for the way that it brings the subject alive. Building on a set of original writings from some of the founders of graph theory, the book traces the historical development of the subject through a linking commentary. The relevant underlying mathematics is also explained, providing an original introduction to the subject for students. From reviews: 'The book...serves as an excellent examplein fact, as a modelof a new approach to one aspect of mathematics, when mathematics is considered as a living, vital and developing tradition.' (Edward A. Maziark in Isis) 'Biggs, Lloyd and Wilson's unusual and remarkable book traces the evolution and development of graph theory...Conceived in a very original manner and obviously written with devotion and a very great amount of painstaking historical research, it contains an exceptionally fine collection of source material, and to a graph theorist it is a treasure chest of fascinating historical information and curiosities with rich food for thought.' (Gabriel Dirac in Centaurus) 'The lucidity, grace and wit of the writing makes this book a pleasure to read and re-read.' (S. H. Hollingdale in Bulletin of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications)