The Algorithm Design Manual (2008)

> False Starts -- Algorithms textbooks generally present important algorithms as a fait accompli, obscuring the ideas involved in designing them and the subtle reasons why other approaches fail. I really really like this idea. It is fairly common that I'm working on an algorithm and I have pieces of it and can see goal line, but can't quite figure out to get there. Learning to see patterns and generalize solutions from past failures is incredibly useful.

Seems like the other book people recommend is "Introduction to Algorithms" by Cormen et al, so that the main problem in choosing an algorithms book is really deciding between that one and this one. I've spent more time with the Cormen book so far and only a little with "The Algorithm Design Manual", but have to say I've been disappointed with Cormen and very impressed by the ADM. I think the Cormen book has a reputation for being more serious…

My experience with Algorithms: 1. I study, fully understand topics, solve some problems. 2. Time passes, I don't really need most of this knowledge in my real world engineering. 3. I forget most of what I've learned. I've iterated this several times, so I no longer have that motivation to (again) study algorithms without a real world need... :)