[.uk] Autonomous Bidding Agents: Strategies and Lessons from ... (ISBN 026223260X)

well, it's not eBay:
The field of auction theory has been heavily developed. With intricate rules for specialised auctions. Often resulting in a strong dose of experiments and theoretical analysis. The book gives some recent instances. Where these are typically characterised by items being offered (or wanted) in interdependent markets. Hence the need for contingency bidding. The practical instantiations include the selling of hotel rooms and entertainment events. The complexities are such that the concept of bidding agents is used. Where agents are then assumed to have some optimal strategy. Much of the book revolves around finding what these strategies might be.