AK Peters Ltd.

The presidential election game, rev. ed.

Written in 1978, this work by Brams (politics, New York U.) applies modern mathematical game theory and decision theory to the analysis of presidential electoral politics, examining the dynamics of state primaries, national party conventions, and the general election. He constructs models that are used to analyze bandwagon and underdog effects in national party conventions dating back to 1832, resource allocations by candidates in the 1960 through 1972 general elections, and the formation and fragmentation of coalitions. He also analyzes a proposed reform known as approval voting. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The simple book of not-so-simple puzzles.

Serhiy Grabarchuk and his puzzle-making sons, Peter and Serhiy, Jr., live in a small town in the western part of Ukraine. They present a book derived from Puzzle Miniatures, Volumes 1-3, three small books published by Serhiy Grabarchuk Puzzles in 1998, 2003, and 2005. The text contains some 100 mini- puzzles of a variety of types that will appeal to general readers interested in improving their mental agility and sharpening their mathematics and reasoning skills. Solutions to all of the puzzles are included in the back of the text, some with further explanations and diagrams. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)