Simple relation algebras, an abstract theory of binary relations, is the basic building blocks of relation algebras and an important area of current interest. After an introductory chapter on relation algebras, the book turns in Chapter 2 to the semiproduct construction of simple relation algebras. The author develops a uniform approach to the literature on semiproduct constructions which makes them accessible to non-specialists. Throughout there is an emphasis on visualizing such constructions; a large number of figures illustrate the main ideas and theorems.

Alfred Tarski provided the modern formulation of relation algebras as an equationally defined class of algebras in 1941, and today the theory incorporates aspects of the theories of Boolean algebras and groups.

Combining a gentle introduction to the general theory with many new results, this book is ideal for both graduate students exploring research in this area as well as specialists in the field.