John Fitzgerald is a Reader in Computing Science at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Peter Gorm Larsen is a Professor of Computer Technology and Embedded Systems at the Engineering College of Aarhus (IHA), Denmark. He also works as an independent consultant.

• Foreword to the first edition; Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Constructing a model; 3. VDMTools Lite; 4. Describing system properties using logical expressions; 5. The elements of a formal model; 6. Sets; 7. Sequences; 8. Mappings; 9. Recursive structures; 10. Validating models; 11. State-based modelling; 12. Large-scale modelling; 13. Using VDM in practice; A. Language guide; B. Solutions to exercises; Bibliography; Subject index; Definitions index.

"This is an excellent first course in modeling, and is so well organized that even individual study is practical. The book was enjoyable to read, and well written. Points of complexity were explained well, and the wealth of examples provides a roadmap to understanding for both the student and practitioner."