cover image Competition: The Birth of a New Science

Competition: The Birth of a New Science

James Case, . . Hill & Wang, $26 (354pp) ISBN 978-0-8090-3577-9

When we interview for a job, play a pickup game of basketball or check our mutual funds, we're competing with other people. Writer and business consultant Case, who has a Ph.D. in mathematics, surveys the topography of competition to show how it ranges from the complexity of game theory to the simplicity of bidding at an auction. The author begins with an extensive explication of game theory as developed by John von Neumann, John (A Beautiful Mind) Nash and their colleagues. He builds on this foundation to present case studies of competition in practice, such as nations' angling for competitive position in their trade policies. Avid eBayers might pick up helpful hints on competitive strategies, and readers who dabble in the stock market will discover techniques to help in their decision making. Case devotes the latter half of his book to various kinds of economic competition. Futurists, game theorists and economists will likely find much familiar material skillfully packaged, while many general readers will find the book rough sledding. But Case has some new and challenging policy proposals, for instance how to protect workers' interests while avoiding the pitfalls of labor unions, that will spark debate. 40 line drawings. (July)