Graph Decompositions: A Study in Infinite Graph Theory

by Reinhard Diestel

Overview

This is the first book to offer a complete account of the theory of simplicial decompositions of graphs, possibly the single most important tool in infinite graph theory. The text is centered on a number of guiding problems and concepts such as the existence and uniqueness problem of simplicial decompositions into primes, and the concept of excluded minors as a means of identifying a desired structure. Following theoretical developments since the 1930s, the author includes extensive information on the current state of research, as well as many examples, proof strategies, exercises, and ongoing problems. The book will be a useful resource for graph theorists and mathematicians, and its lively account of important research will interest advanced students as well.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198532101
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/25/1990
Series:	Oxford Science Publications Series
Pages:	242
Product dimensions:	6.44(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

St John's College, Cambridge

Table of Contents

1. Fundamental Facts and Concepts2. Separating Simplices and the Existence of Prime Decompositions3. Simplicial Minors and the Existence of Prime Decompositions4. The Uniqueness of Prime Decompositions5. Decompositions into Small Factors6. Applications of Simplicial Decompositions

Editorial Reviews

"A textbook for an advanced course in graph theory, presenting the little known theory, simplicial decompositions of graphs, developed in the 1930s, and showing how its high degree of coherence relative to its size makes it attractive to students just embarking on their own research." —SciTech Book News

"The book offers a self-contained presentation of an interesting subject with deep results and some challenging open problems." —Choice

"Presents to a broad mathematical readership the theory of simplicial decompositions of graphs, encouraging stimulation of future inquiry and research." —The New York Public Library

From the Publisher

A textbook for an advanced course in graph theory, presenting the little known theory, simplicial decompositions of graphs, developed in the 1930s, and showing how its high degree of coherence relative to its size makes it attractive to students just embarking on their own research. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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