Game theory and mutual misunderstanding. Scientific dialogues in five acts. Translated by Ruth Vanbaelen and Mamoru Kaneko. (Q1763121)

The book is indeed a scientific dialogue, written in the form of a theatrical work in five acts. The first act was performed at the Decentralization Conference in 2000. The three central characters are Kurai Shinzuki, a professor of economics, Toru Hazamajimi, a lecturer (junior faculty member) in economics, and Genki Morimori, a graduate student. The book is based on the author's interactions with various people during a career as researcher and teacher. It does not seem to be thought of as a textbook for a course. There are no explicit ``exercises'' or suggestions for reader projects. Yet the discussions which take place would seem to be most valuable for anyone launching a career related to game theory. The book might form the basis for an informal seminar, or could well be recommmended for additional reading in connection with a more traditional and formal treatment of game theory. Among the topics treated: The St. Petersburg game; paradox; the prisoner's dilemma; the battle of the sexes; the reversal of particularity and generality; Konnyaku Mondo and game theory; the market economy; clouds hanging over economics and game theory; decision making and Nash equilibrium; the individual and society. The topics are well chosen, and the writing is entertaining and of high quality. The book is a welcome addition to the literature on game theory.