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Jane Austen, Game Theorist

Updated Edition
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Jane Austen, Game Theorist uncovers how Jane Austen's six novels, written two centuries ago, anticipate the principles of modern game theory. Michael Suk-Young Chwe reveals Austen's deep understanding of strategic thinking, choice, and social interaction, illustrating how she analysed human behaviour long before the formal development of game theory in the 20th century. The book also explores a variety of literature and folktales to show the broad relevance of game theory to everyday life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in the intersection of literature, social science, and strategy, as well as fans of Jane Austen who wish to explore her work through a fresh, analytical lens. Also recommended for students and professionals in game theory, decision science, and cultural studies.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Presents the study of how people make choices while interacting with others - is one of the most popular technical approaches in social science today. Exploring a diverse range of literature and folktales, this book illustrates the relevance of game theory and how, fundamentally, we are all strategic thinkers.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Game theory—the study of how people make choices while interacting with others—is one of the most popular technical approaches in social science today. But as Michael Chwe reveals in his insightful new book, Jane Austen, Game Theorist, Jane Austen explored game theory's core ideas in her six novels roughly two hundred years ago—over a century before its mathematical development during the Cold War.

Jane Austen, Game Theorist shows how this beloved writer theorised choice and preferences, prized strategic thinking, and analysed why superiors are often strategically clueless about inferiors. Exploring a diverse range of literature and folktales, this book illustrates the wide relevance of game theory and how, fundamentally, we are all strategic thinkers.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise the book as insightful and accessible literary analysis. Jennifer Schuessler of the New York Times calls it a convincing argument that Austen is a pioneering figure in decision science, while Jonathan Sachs in the Times Literary Supplement highlights its effective use of mathematical models alongside storytelling. Kate Hutchings from the Huffington Post Books commends its readability, and Diane Coyle of Enlightenment Economics places it among strategic classics like The Art of War. The book is described as thoughtful, well-written, and enriched with diagrams and rigorous textual analysis.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691162447

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 March 2014

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Edition: Updated Edition

Illustration: 5 line illus. 9 tables.

Contributors:

  • Afterword by Michael Suk-Young Chwe

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 397g

Pages: 296

About the Author

Michael Suk-Young Chwe is professor of political science at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the author of "Rational Ritual: Culture, Coordination, and Common Knowledge "(Princeton).

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