The Book Review Column

Approximation Algorithms for Traveling Salesman Problems (Cambridge University Press, 2024) by Vera Traub and Jens Vygen (both of University of Bonn) presents the state of the art of approximation algorithms for the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), covering both classic and recent results as well as outstanding open problems. Understanding Cryptography: From Established Symmetric and Asymmetric Ciphers to Post- Quantum Algorithms, Second Edition (Springer, 2024) by Christof Paar (Max Planck Institute), Jan Pelzl (Hamm-Lippstadt University) , Tim G¨uneysu (Ruhr University Bochum) focuses on modern applications of cryptography, with special emphasis on post-quantum methods. The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles, Second Edition (The MIT Press, 2021) by Noam Nisan (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and Shimon Schocken (Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya) updates the popular textbook that inspires Nand-to-Tetris courses on how to build a general-purpose computer system from scratch. This new edition is divided into two standalone parts, Hardware and Software, and features four new appendices. The Joy of Quantum Computing: A Concise Introduction (Princeton University Press, 2025) by Jed Brody (Emory University) is an accessible introduction to the subject requiring only calculus and no quantum mechanics background.