BOOK REVIEW
Abstract
Game theory: a very short introduction by Ken Binmore, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2007, viii + 184 pp., 6.99 or US$9.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-19-921846-2 'In brief, the only folk who need to fear the use of game theory are those whose beliefs are inconsistent.' This is one of the titbits of wisdom shared by Ken Binmore in this introduction to game theory. Game theory is a stimulating and visual area of mathematics aimed at predicting how rational individuals would interact. This was one of only a few mathematical books that I have read that evoked an interest in general public. Questions such as 'Is it about writing a game?' would also suggest that there is a need for such a book. The book itself has a very pleasant look and feel, without, as the front flap states, any mathematical formulae. It is my opinion that the odd mathematical formula would have elucidated the discussion, rather than make the text less accessible. The book is divided into 10 rather short chapters filled with drawings aimed at supporting the discussion. The author further uses numerous stories from application domains ranging from the contrived to human emotions, in an effort to