The Art of Uncertainty

National treasure status… Part philosophy, part mathematics, part history, [The Art of Uncertainty] is a thoughtful and engaging — without being patronising — introduction to the mathematics of the unknown * The Times * This is, without doubt, the most beautifully crafted book of its kind. These pages are rich with stories from 50 years of hard earned wisdom, each packed with insight and bursting with wit and warmth. When put together there is an important and compelling narrative about uncertainty here, this is a book that challenges our assumptions and offers new perspectives on how to embrace it -- Hannah Fry, author of HELLO WORLD David Spiegelhalter is a national treasure, and this might be his wisest, most humane and most personal book. I urge you to read it -- Tim Harford, author of HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD ADD UP A superbly entertaining overview of uncertainty in all its manifestations -- Professor David J Hand, author of THE IMPROBABILITY PRINCIPLE The Art of Uncertainty contains a lifetime of wisdom from a true master. No one else can do what David Spiegelhalter does, and take this foggiest but most ubiquitous of human problems, then give it such order, rigour, and impeccable judgement. There’s science, philosophy, medicine, statistics… life… all wrapped in a light and human touch, with one-line insights to die for. I wish it had existed 40 years ago; I suspect it’ll still be keenly read in 40 years time -- Michael Blastland, co-author of THE TIGER THAT ISN'T This is a brilliant book. A must read for anyone who aspires to think intelligently about the world we live in. Uncertainty is all-pervasive: in our personal lives; in responding to social and political issues; in sorting truth from fiction; and in understanding and mitigating global challenges. David Spiegelhalter provides the tools for thinking about all aspects of uncertainty in a rational way -- Sir Adrian Smith FRS