Recommendations for a book on Graph Theory?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for introductory books on graph theory, particularly for someone with an interest in combinatorics and applications beyond computer science, including potential relevance to physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in finding a readable introductory book on graph theory that avoids a standard formal structure of definitions and proofs.
  • The same participant is particularly interested in applications of graph theory, especially in physics, despite not being a computer science student.
  • Another participant recommends a book by Gary Chartrand, noting his reputation as a teacher and writer in the field of graph theory.
  • A different participant suggests "Introduction to Graph Theory" by Robin Wilson, providing a link and sharing a trivia note about the author.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for recommendations for accessible graph theory texts, but there are multiple suggestions without a consensus on a single preferred book.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the question of which book is best suited for the participant's specific interests and background.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in graph theory, combinatorics, and applications of mathematical concepts in physics may find this discussion beneficial.

Sleepy 104
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
I am currently taking a combinatorics class that surveys a little bit of graph theory and it piqued my interest. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good introductory book on the subject? I am really interested in finding a book that is very readable and not the standard definition, lemma, theorem, proof, etc. style. I don't know if that is common for texts in the fields of combinatorics and graph theory or not. I am also very interested in applications, however I am not a computer science student and I don't know if that's all an introductory book could be applied to. If at all possible, I would love to find a book that had applications to physics.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Thank you very much!
 
Oh wow, that's cool. Thanks for the recommendation and trivia!
 

Similar threads

Discrete Combinatorics and Graph Theory books
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Books on Weak Interaction
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Discrete Introductory books on Graph Theory and Combinatorics?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Other What are some sources of recommendations for Math books?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Discrete Graph Theory book or literature that dives into these concepts
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Book recommendation after Sakurai Modern Quantum Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Other Recommendation for Mathematics for Physicist and Engineers book
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Number Theory What books or materials are needed to understand primitive roots?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Foundations Should I start with Lang's Basic Mathematics or Gelfand's books?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K
Quantum mechanics book recommendations
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K