illustration by Sonny Liew
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and first chapter
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Princeton University Press
Michael Chwe
Department of Political Science
UCLA
Bibliography of Jane Austen, Game Theorist
(pdf files of all the papers referenced)
Chwe finds that game theory has early and subversive historical roots in Austen’s novels and in “folk game theory” traditions, including African American folktales. He considers how Austen analyzed “cluelessness”—the conspicuous absence of strategic thinking—and how her observations apply to U.S. military blunders in Iraq and Vietnam.
Jane Austen, Game Theorist brings together the study of literature and social science in an original and surprising way. With a diverse range of literature and folktales, this book illustrates how, fundamentally, we are all strategic thinkers.
“Michael Chwe, a rare breed of political scientist, has raised the game of two disciplines.”
—Regenia
Gagnier, University of Exeter
“In Jane Austen, Game Theorist,
Michael Chwe brilliantly brings out Austen’s
intuitive game-theoretic analysis. This
book will transform the way you read literature.”
“His book will instruct and
delight both literary critics and economists.
Combining the humanities and social sciences for
mutual illumination, Chwe practices a ‘humanomics’
masterfully.”
—Deirdre N.
McCloskey, University of Illinois, Chicago
“Game theorists will enjoy this
venture into unfamiliar territory, while Jane
Austen fans will enjoy being illuminated about
their favorite author’s strategic acumen—and
learn a little game theory besides.”
Recent news
“Jane Austen, Game Theorist,” by Mary Flanagan, American Journal of Play, Fall 2013
“Jane Austen, Game Theorist,” by Alan Sanderson, Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, September 2013
“Jane Austen, Game Theorist,” by Jonathan Sachs, Times Literary Supplement, August 9, 2013
“Keri Russell Stars in Austenland—Plus, a Look at Eight Other Jane Austen–Inspired Hits,” by Evelyn Crowley, Vogue, August 9, 2013
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“Jane, Plain No More: A Year of Austen Glamour” and “The Janeiac Game” by Mary Jo Murphy and Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times, August 8, 2013
“Book Review | Jane Austen, Game Theorist,” by Siddharth Singh, Mint (Delhi), August 8, 2013
“Jane Austen Books: 10 Essential Reads for Janeites,” by Kate Hutchings, Huffington Post Books, August 2, 2013
“Jane Austen, Game Theorist,” by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt, Freakonomics Radio, July 3, 2013 [audio | transcript]
“Pie charts and Prejudice: Jane Austen the economist should grace our banknotes,” by Marc Sidwell, City A.M. (London), June 28, 2013
“Jane Austen, Game Theorist by Michael Suk-Young Chwe – review,” by John Mullan, The Guardian, June 12, 2013
“Interpreting Jane,” by Chelsea Hawkins, KoreAm Journal, June 2013
“From 2-3pm today, author Michael Chwe takes your questions about his new book, Jane Austen, Game Theorist,” The Loh Down on Science, Southern California Public Radio, May 30, 2013
“Economics, Game Theory, and Jane Austen,” PBS Newshour, May 16, 2013
“New Books Party,” GrrlScientist, The Guardian, May 10, 2013
BBC World Update, Julian Marshall, April 25, 2013 [listen to excerpt; 7 minutes, 38 seconds]
“Jane Austen pioneered ‘game theory’ used by Cold War strategists,” by Rhys Blakely, Times of London, April 24, 2013
“La phrase de Michael Chwe,” Libération, April 23, 2013
“Game Theory: Jane Austen Had it First,” by Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times, April 22, 2013