Insights into Game Theory: An Alternative Mathematical Experience

Michael Maschler z"l was one of the best teachers that I have ever had (I took his "differential equations" course in Spring 1972). He was also a legend among high school students, for his engaging outreach lectures that he gave from time to time, and indeed was very interested in all levels of mathematics education. When I came across this introduction to Game Theory, I had very high expectations. I am glad to say that this book even exceeded them! Maschler must have transmitted his exceptional pedagogical talents to his disciple, Ein-Ya Gura. Together they produced a masterpiece of pedagogy that would appeal to a very wide range of potential readers, from the bright high school student all the way to the non-expert professional mathematician. Even game-theorists would find a new perspective to familiar material, and this book would help them to better present this material to their students. This book can also serve as a paradigm for future text-book writing, and shows how one can be rigorous without being pedantic, engaging without being frivolous, and the many beautifully chosen exercises will guarantee that students will actually learn to do mathematics, and slowly, but surely, digest very sophisticated material that earned Nobel prizes to their discoverers.