For those fascinated by the abstract universe of mathematics, David Gale's columns in The Mathematical Intelligencer have been a prime source of entertainment. Here Gale's columns are collected for the first time in book form. Encouraged by the magazine's editor, Sheldon Axler, to write on whatever pleased him, Gale ranged far and wide across the field of mathematics but frequently returned to favorite themes: triangles, tilings, the mysterious properties of sequences given by simple recursions, games and paradoxes, and the particular automaton that gives this collection its title, the "automatic ant." The level is suitable for those with some familiarity with mathematical ideas, but great sophistication is not needed.

In the past few decades, methods of linear algebra have become central to economic analysis, replacing older tools such as the calculus. David Gale has provided the first complete and lucid treatment of important topics in mathematical economics which can be analyzed by linear models. This self-contained work requires few mathematical prerequisites and provides all necessary groundwork in the first few chapters. After introducing basic geometric concepts of vectors and vector spaces, Gale proceeds to give the main theorems on linear inequalities--theorems underpinning the theory of games, linear programming, and the Neumann model of growth. He then explores such subjects as linear programming; the theory of two-person games; static and dynamic theories of linear exchange models, including problems of equilibrium prices and dynamic stability; and methods of play, optimal strategies, and solutions of matrix games. This book should prove an invaluable reference source and text for mathematicians, engineers, economists, and those in many related areas.

Revised and updated, this edition makes use of new empirical material to examine the effect of market and trade restrictions on farm people. It argues that these policies have little or no effect on such communities' welfare. Other titles published for the Trade Policy Research Centre include "East-West Trade and the Gatt System", "Current Issues in Commercial Policy and Diplomacy", "Reflections on a Troubled World Economy" and "Multi-Nationals from the Second World".

The second collection of poems by David Gale Wright. Tributaries contains some of Wright's best poems to date, including, "Notes from Gun-Fowl Manor," "Sisyphus Speaks," "Time Ticks the Clock" and "Life in the Narrows." In addition, there is a collection of poems inspired by the paintings of Mitchell Poor (see cover art), song lyrics and more Haiku-like 3x3's and 4x4's.

Cloud Shadows is a collection of selected original poems of various styles and themes by David Gale Wright. There are poems about love ("Cloud Shadows," "From Below"), nature ("Surtsey," "Pear Blossoms"), and spirituality ("Naming the Holy," "When I Ring the Bell for Prayer"). The styles range from rhyming poems ("Nova Regulus," "The Elements"), to the more unconventional, (Ontological Envy," "The Poet's Talents"). Cover painting by Mitchell Poor.