Includes bibliographical references (pages 139-148) and index
1. Mathematical Background -- 2. Techniques for Sampling and Approximate Sampling -- 3. Approximate Counting -- 4. Applications: Coupling -- Intermezzo: Path Coupling -- 5. Applications: Path Coupling -- 6. Directions for Future Work -- App. A. Application of Dobrushin's Uniqueness Criterion -- App. B. A Hierarchy of #SAT Restrictions -- App. C. Equivalence of Transposition Distance to Spearman's Footrule