The handbook of brain theory and neural networks /

The preface points out that "like the first edition which it replaces, this volume is inspired by two great questions: How does the brain work? ... How can we build intelligent machines?" Part 3, a collection of 285 articles by experts, constitutes the bulk of the book. Editor Arbib, one of the leaders in the field, points out that only nine articles are unchanged from the previous edition (1st ed., CH, Apr'96), and more than a hundred discuss new topics. A key feature is the introductory background article in part 1, with an overview of the whole field. Part 2 is a very helpful set of 22 "Road Maps" to enable readers to look for the articles in part 3 that are most relevant to their special interests, e.g., vision, psychology, or artificial intelligence. Beyond a doubt, any library with the first edition should replace it with this new one, and those without it should acquire this as an invaluable resource for all areas of the study of the brain and of neural networks. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through professionals. R. Bharath emeritus, Northern Michigan University