The Prentice Hall Essence of Computing Series provides a concise, practical and uniform introduction to the core components of an undergraduate computer science degree. Acknowledging the recent changes within Higher Education, this approach uses a variety of pedagogical tools - case studies, worked examples and self-test questions, to underpin the student's learning. The Essence of Artificial Intelligence provides a concise and accessible introduction to the topic for students with no prior knowledge of AI. Taking a pragmatic approach to the subject, this book de-mystifies and makes AI concrete and transparent. Examples and Algorithms are given throughout and can be sensibly implemented in a range of different languages. Offering a less formal/mathematical treatment of the subject than many of its competitors, The Essence of AI provides an overview of all the key subjects covered in one semester.