The book treats two approaches to decision theory: (1) the normative, purporting to determine how a 'perfectly rational' actor ought to choose among available alternatives; (2) the descriptive, based on observations of how people actually choose in real life and in laboratory experiments. The mathematical tools used in the normative approach range from elementary algebra to matrix and differential equations. Sections on different levels can be studied independently. Special emphasis is made on 'offshoots' of both theories to cognitive psychology, theoretical biology, and philosophy.

In Magnolia Street, where Jews and Christians live on opposite sides of the road, feuds and alliances, gossip and good humour thrive. This is a classic saga of working-class life in 1920s Manchester. First published in 1932, it was a bestseller. "I loved this book... it is basically a painting in words about a small street in Doomingtom (Manchester, England). The street is divided into Jewish and Gentile sides; the Gentiles have 2 major social venues - the pub and the barbers; the Jews have 2 major social gathering places - the grocer shop and the synagogue. Never the twain shall meet, until one of the incidents occurs that bring the two sides together for the first time... The beauty of this book is the way that each of the characters is drawn, how they fit into their families and into the street. The characters really come to life! It was just a joy to read."--Liz, Goodreads