This multivolume work is widely recognized as the definitive description of classical computer science. The first three volumes have for decades been an invaluable resource in programming theory and practice for students, researchers, and practitioners alike. Countless readers have spoken about the profound personal influence of Knuth's work. Scientists have marveled at the beauty and elegance of his analysis, while ordinary programmers have successfully applied his "cookbook" solutions to their day-to-day problems. All have admired Knuth for the breadth, clarity, accuracy, and good humor found in his books. Primarily written as a reference, if you need to do any serious computer programming, you will find your own good reason to make each volume from beginning to end. A programmer in China even compared the experience to reading a poem. Whatever your background, if you need to do any serious computer programming, you will find your own good reason to make each volume in this series a readily accessible part of your scholarly or professional library. For the first time in more than 20 years, Knuth has revised all three books to reflect more recent developments in the field. His revisions focus specifically on those areas where knowledge has converged since publication of the last editions, on problems that have been solved, on problems that have changed. In keeping with the authoritative character of these books, all historical infomation about previous work in the field has been updated where necessary. Consistent with the author's reputation for painstaking perfection, the rare technical errors in his work, discovered by perceptive and demandingreaders, have all been corrected. Hundreds of new exercises have beeen added to raise new challenges. A word from Don Knuth: For the past 20 years I've been making copious notes in my personal copies of The Art of Computer Programming, whenever I've noticed how