This book is a tour de force of what may be called “verbal mathematics. ” It demonstrates conclusively that mathematics is not a matter of symbols and equations; rather, it may be characterized as “precise reasoning that has considerable depth, complexity, or sophistication. ” The book is accessible to everyone who can think.

Also, it is a wonderful introduction to game theory; rather than “explaining” what the theory is about, it simply does it. If somebody came from Mars and wanted to know what we mean by “music, ” you could try to “explain ” it; but it would be better to play a Bach fugue, a Verdi aria, some Louis Armstrong jazz, and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. ” The second alternative is what Gura and Maschler do. Enjoy!