In this calculus-based text, Baclawski (Northeastern University) makes probability theory accessible to a broad readership by providing intuitive explanations of concepts in addition to rigorous mathematical formulations and proofs. The text uses programs, real R code, and animations in open source software to show how to combine and link stochastic processes to form more complex processes that are better models of natural phenomena. In addition, it presents a unified treatment of transforms, such as Laplace, Fourier, and z, and introduces Markov chains from various perspectives. Each chapter includes a short biographical note about a historical figure in the field, along with exercises and selected answers. The book is suitable as a text for a first course in probability and statistics, and can be used as a reference by advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in economics, engineering, and computer and information science. A companion web site provides R programs and PowerPoint slides for presentations and lectures. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)