A teacher of statistics and students of Eastern philosophy, Keller sets out the fundamental concepts of statistics through impressions and experiences, arguing that understanding the meaning and worth of statistics does not require the ability to calculate them. In the statistical view of the world, he says, knowledge is neither certain nor random, portraits are painted in pastel rather than primary colors, and extremes are acknowledged for the information they contain but always within a context of centrality. Decorative drawings are contributed by Maryland artist Helen Cardiff. There is no index. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)