An effort has been made to present the various topics in the theory of
graphs in a logical order, to indicate the historical background, and to
clarify the exposition by including figures to illustrate concepts and
results. In addition, there are three appendices which provide diagrams
of graphs, directed graphs, and trees. The emphasis throughout is on
theorems rather than algorithms or applications, which however are
occaisionally mentioned.
The fourth edition of this standard textbook of modern graph theory has
been carefully revised, updated, and substantially extended. Covering
all its major recent developments it can be used both as a reliable
textbook for an introductory course and as a graduate text: on each
topic it covers all the basic material in full detail, and adds one or
two deeper results (again with detailed proofs) to illustrate the more
advanced methods of that field. electronic edition:
diestel-graph-theory.com From the reviews of the first two editions
(1997, 2000): "This outstanding book cannot be substituted with any
other book on the present textbook market. It has every chance of
becoming the standard textbook for graph theory. 
This comprehensive text offers undergraduates a remarkably
student-friendly introduction to graph theory. Written by two of the
field's most prominent experts, it takes an engaging approach that
emphasizes graph theory's history. Unique examples and lucid proofs
provide a sound yet accessible treatment that stimulates interest in an
evolving subject and its many applications.
This book presents and illustrates the main tools and ideas of algebraic
graph theory, with a primary emphasis on current rather than classical
topics. It is designed to offer self-contained treatment of the topic,
with strong emphasis on concrete examples.
An in-depth account of graph theory, written for serious students of
mathematics and computer science. It reflects the current state of the
subject and emphasises connections with other branches of pure
mathematics. Recognising that graph theory is one of several courses
competing for the attention of a student, the book contains extensive
descriptive passages designed to convey the flavour of the subject and
to arouse interest. In addition to a modern treatment of the classical
areas of graph theory, the book presents a detailed account of newer
topics, including Szemerédis Regularity Lemma and its use, Shelahs
extension of the Hales-Jewett Theorem, the precise nature of the phase
transition in a random graph process, the connection between electrical
networks and random walks on graphs, and the Tutte polynomial and its
cousins in knot theory. Moreover, the book contains over 600 well
thought-out exercises: although some are straightforward, most are
substantial, and some will stretch even the most able reader.
A stimulating excursion into pure mathematics aimed at "the
mathematically traumatized," but great fun for mathematical hobbyists
and serious mathematicians as well. Requiring only high school algebra
as mathematical background, the book leads the reader from simple graphs
through planar graphs, Euler's formula, Platonic graphs, coloring, the
genus of a graph, Euler walks, Hamilton walks, and a discussion of The
Seven Bridges of Konigsberg. Exercises are included at the end of each
chapter. "The topics are so well motivated, the exposition so lucid and
delightful, that the book's appeal should be virtually universal . . .
Every library should have several copies" — Choice. 1976 edition.