First Course in Mathematical Logic

Rating:
Summary: Good coverage, but lack of solutions weakens it.
Review: Logic is one of the foundations of mathematics, making quality textbooks essential. This is one of the better ones, with descriptions followed by a large number of exercises. The basic strategy is to present the material in small sections, most of which are two pages or less in length. One unusual aspect of the book is that the authors chose to wait until chapter four to present truth tables. Traditionally the first topic in logic textbooks, leaving truth tables until later forces the reader to learn the operational meanings of the connectives. I approve of this pedagogical technique, undue reliance on truth tables can lead to the masking of some of the concepts of logic. Propositions and predicates are covered, with more ink spent on propositions that predicates and a simple set of axioms for addition is also presented
One negative point is that no solutions to the exercises are included. In my opinion, any book without solutions to some of the exercises is of reduced value as a textbook. Students work problems on their own and it is very important for them to get immediate feedback. This also reduces its' value as a text for self study.
I can recommend this book, the quality of the explanations and the number and detail of the exercises make that easy. However, the lack of solutions means that it can only receive my second highest recommendation.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.