This introduction to graph theory presents only those topics and material that are accessible to the true beginner in graph theory -- making the subject accessible to those in mathematics, computer science, engineering, and management science. The initial chapters cover the main ideas of graph theory and are followed by more specialized, application-oriented discussions. Featuring numerous examples, diagrams, illustrations, and exercises, this gentle introduction to graph theory has a distinctly applied flavor that will be welcomed by those new to the field.