Graphs and Matrices

This book is concerned with results in graph theory in which linear algebra and matrix theory play an important role. Although it is generally accepted that linear algebra can be an important component in the study of graphs, traditionally, graph theorists have remained by and large less than enthusiastic about using linear algebra. The results discussed here are usually treated under algebraic graph theory, as outlined in the classic books by Biggs [20] and by Godsil and Royle [39]. Our emphasis on matrix techniques is even greater than what is found in these and perhaps the subject matter discussed here might be termed linear algebraic graph theory to highlight this aspect.