Springer A Course in Enumeration: 238 (Graduate Texts in Mathematics, 238)

Combinatorial enumeration is a readily accessible subject full of easily stated, but sometimes tantalizingly difficult problems. This book leads the reader in a leisurely way from the basic notions of combinatorial enumeration to a variety of topics, ranging from algebra to statistical physics. The aim of the author is to introduce readers to a fascinating field, and to offer a sophisticated source of information for the professional mathematician who wants to learn more about the subject. The book is organized in three parts: Basics, Methods, and Topics. There are 666 exercises, and as a special feature every chapter ends with a highlight section, discussing in detail a particularly beautiful or famous result.