Random Graphs and Complex Networks

"This text builds a bridge between the mathematical world of random graphs and the real world of complex networks. It combines techniques from probability theory and combinatorics to analyze the structural properties of large random graphs. Accessible to network researchers from different disciplines, as well as masters and graduate students, the material is suitable for a one-semester course, and is laced with exercises that help the reader grasp the content. The exposition focuses on a number of core models that have driven recent progress in the field, including the Erdős–Rényi random graph, the configuration model, and preferential attachment models. A detailed description is given of all their key properties. This is supplemented with insightful remarks about properties of related models so that a full panorama unfolds. As the presentation develops, the link to complex networks provides constant motivation for the routes that are being chosen."
Frank den Hollander, Leiden University

"The first volume of Remco van der Hofstad's Random Graphs and Complex Networks is the definitive introduction into the mathematical world of random networks. Written for students with only a modest background in probability theory, it provides plenty of motivation for the topic and introduces the essential tools of probability at a gentle pace. It covers the modern theory of Erdős–Rényi graphs, as well as the most important models of scale-free networks that have emerged in the last fifteen years. This is a truly wonderful first volume; the second volume, leading up to current research topics, is eagerly awaited."
Peter Mörters, University of Bath

"This new book on random graph models for complex networks is a wonderful addition to the field. It takes the uninitiated reader from the basics of graduate probability to the classical Erdős–Rényi random graph before terminating at some of the fundamental new models in the discipline. The author does an exemplary job of both motivating the models of interest and building all the necessary mathematical tools required to give a rigorous treatment of these models. Each chapter is complemented by a comprehensive set of exercises allowing the reader ample scope to actively master the techniques covered in the chapter."
Shankar Bhamidi, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

"This book is invaluable for anybody who wants to learn or teach the modern theory of random graphs and complex networks. I have used it as a textbook for long and short courses at different levels. Students always like the book because it has all they need: exciting high-level ideas, motivating examples, very clear proofs, and an excellent set of exercises. Easy to read, extremely well structured, and self-contained, the book builds proficiency with random graph models essential for state-of-the-art research."
Nelly Litvak, University of Twente

'What makes the book particularly interesting is that it provides all important preliminaries for readers not having the basic background knowledge of random graphs. … The book is well-suited for a graduate course on random graphs, where students may only have minimal background in probability theory, as the book provides plenty of motivation for the topic and covers all important preliminaries. All the chapters are supplemented by extensive exercises to develop better intuition and to progressively master the models covered in the book. In a nutshell, the book is easy to follow and well-organized for developing proficiency in random graph models necessary for state of the art research.' Ghulam Abbas, Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

'The writing is of a high standard. I would certainly recommend it to a starting graduate student, even if their first degree was not mathematics.' Tobias Muller, Nieuw Archief voor Weskunde