These active and well-known authors have come together to create a fresh, innovative, and timely approach to Discrete Math.  One innovation uses several major threads to help weave core topics into a cohesive whole.  Throughout the book the application of mathematical reasoning is emphasized to solve problems while the authors guide the student in thinking about, reading, and writing proofs in a wide variety of contexts.  Another important content thread, as the sub-title implies, is the focus on mathematical puzzles, games and magic tricks to engage students.

Doug Ensley is a full professor at Shippenshburg University with a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon.  He is an active participant in national and regional committees determining the future of the discrete math curriculum, and he regularly speaks at Joint Math and MathFest.

Winston Crawley is a full professor and chair of the math department at Shippensburg University.  He has a Ph.D. from University of Tennessee-Knoxville.  Crawley developed the undergraduate computer science curriculum at Shippensburg.