I'm looking for a book with the description of basic types of graphs, terminology used in this field of Mathematics and main theorems. All in all, a good book to start with to be able to understand other more complicated works.
I heard good things about Combinatorics and Graph Theory by Harris, Hirst and Mossinghoff (Springer Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics). It's easier to read than Diestel or Bollobas, but not dumbed down. But of course, it's neither thorough nor exhaustive.
Diestel 's book is not exactly light reading but it's thorough, current and really good. Also in the GTM series is Bollobas ' book which is very good as well, and covers somewhat different ground with a different angle (Diestel emphasizes the forcing relationships between various invariants which is a nice unifying theme). There are hundreds of other introductory texts, but I would go with one of…
Robin Wilson's Introduction to Graph Theory is very easy to read - I read it over a weekend. I definitely recommend you give this a quick read before plunging into Bondy and Murty, Diestel or West.
There are lots of terrific graph theory books now, most of which have been mentioned by the other posters so far. I would particularly agree with the recommendation of West; one of the most complete and well-written texts there are. But to me, the most comprehensive and advanced text on graph theory is Graph Theory And Applications by Johnathan Gross and Jay Yellen. Crystal clear, great problems …
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Different peoples need different introduction. If anyone want a light weight smooth reading I'll recommend Wilson. Although it is easy read, it'll take you even to the matroids. If anyone want a proof based intro, research paper like, then West is the best choice.
Diestel, Harary are to some extent for intermediate/advanced readers. Some encyclopedic resources are Handbook of Graph Theory, Handbo…
1) Harary's book is great - and he's a hoot. 2) Ringel and Hartsfield's Pearl in Graph Theory is great, lovable and has lots of pictures and excellent exercises - ideal for an undergrad class that's not geared towards prepping students towards a grad course. 3) Gross and Yellen's book is probably the best introduction if you're a "mature" math reader and want to really learn stuff - this is what …
Graphs & digraphs by Gary Chartrand and Linda Lesniak is very well written. The organization is nice and the proofs are very clear. Moreover the exercises are concrete and to the point.
I know only one book on graph theory, Wagner, Bodendieck "Graphentheorie". It contains detailed introductions of the basic concepts and theorems and independent chapters on interesting special topics, the 3dr vol. is independent and on games, many exercises. Who dislikes that may comment, because I use it for tutoring, math-circle-like groups etc.
Pearls in Graph Theory: A Comprehensive Introduction by Nora Hartsfield and Gerhard Ringel. This is a great introductory book and is one of the better dover books out there in my opinion.
