John von Neumann invented the digital computer, played a key role in the development of the atom bomb, constructed a branch of mathematics known as game theory, and became a defender of a movement to bomb the Russians before they could bomb us. Now comes a biography of this controversial genius and an exploration of his greatest idea--one that nearly triggered a nuclear war in 1950. Photographs.

I wont write a long review since others have done that. Ill just say that this is a great book for the layman if they want to understand something of the history of Game Theory and John von Neumann.

If you wondered why the Prisoner's Dilemma is a Dilemma or why the Theory of Games is more than a game, you should read this book.

The book is basically a biography of the illustrative John von Neumann in the context of game theory (or better science of conflict) and its role in the Cold War. Readers interested in learning more about game theory might be disappointed while discovering the biography of one of the most important scientist of the last century and the social history in the nuclear arms race. Additionally, readers will get a better understanding of the almost infinite complexity of prisoner dilemma and TIT FOR TAT-like strategies not taught at university.

Concluding in JvN's words; 'Long-term survival of the human race depends on our devising better ways to promote cooperation than any now in existence'.

I do not have enough words of praise for this book. It so masterfully weaves together numerous areas of human interest. Who knew that game theory could be applied so broadly?
The book is centered largely around the use of game theory during the cold war, and the life of John Von Neuman, but makes numerous other connections. For example, the parallel to the economic dilemma of "the Free Rider Problem" is discussed. Cooperation, as an evolutionary necessity, is talked about. The psychology of decision making is a focus. Most interesting was the connection that different styles of playing has to ones political views.
I found myself pausing every few pages to absorb and integrate what was written into my world view. This is not a book that merely entertains -- it is a book that influences.

The Prisoner's Dilemma is one of those ideas that's so simple and so profound that it deserves to be studied by everyone who's interested in human nature. It manifests itself in many facets of life -- if you've ever had an argument that evoked the objection "What if everyone acted that way?", you've contemplated some variation of the Prisoner's Dilemma. (Joseph Heller suggested a clever but ultimately unsatisfying answer in Catch-22).

Generally speaking the "dilemma" refers to the difficulty of making decisions when the consequences of any given choice depend on what someone else decides to do. The tension arises because there are usually benefits to cooperating with others, but as these benefits increase, the advantage to someone who chooses to cheat increase. Examples abound: If every country disarms they save money and lives, but then the one country that arms itself can quickly conquer the world. (Rodney King suggested a correct but unrealistic answer in the form of a question). Similar issues arise in the domains of biology, sociology, philosophy. Arguably policy-making is about nothing else.

Not surprisingly, the human mind is highly attuned to cheaters -- witness the development of strategic reality tv shows, the visceral indignation at the welfare state, etc. All of these things can in principle be modeled using game theory, the development of which is the subject of Poundstone's highy readable book. Highly recommended for those interested in learning about the basics of the field, as well as its history.