Introduction to Enumerative and Analytic Combinatorics (Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications)

Bona's work is a superb text for any reader learning the vast topic of combinatorics. It includes a well-written description of the fundamentals of combinatorics and several chapters of applications. Each chapter concludes with a list of important formulas available for future reference and a lengthy list of exercises. These exercises are quite comprehensive in that they include a wide range of topics, many exploring other interesting topics unexplained in the text. Most of these exercises are accompanied by complete, well-explained solutions to assist struggling readers. One of the best aspects of the book is the conversational tone in which it is written. When reading through the numerous proofs in the text, readers will feel as though they are actually in the classroom with Bona (Univ. of Florida). His explanations are clear and concise, and his dry humor is both entertaining and essential to the text's development. People spreading rumors, wearing colorful hats, and embarking on hazardous vacations are much more enjoyable to count than indistinguishable balls in jars. This work is an excellent addition to the combinatorics library.

--A. Misseldine, Southern Utah University