A mathematical gem–freshly cleaned and polishedThis book is intended to be used as the text for a first course in combinatorics. the text has been shaped by two goals, namely, to make complex mathematics accessible to students with a wide range of abilities, interests, and motivations; and to create a pedagogical tool, useful to the broad spectrum of instructors who bring a variety of perspectives and expectations to such a course.Features retained from the first edition:Lively and engaging writing styleTimely and appropriate examplesNumerous well-chosen exercisesFlexible modular formatOptional sections and appendicesHighlights of Second Edition enhancements:Smoothed and polished exposition, with a sharpened focus on key ideasExpanded discussion of linear codesNew optional section on algorithmsGreatly expanded hints and answers sectionMany new exercises and examples