Information Theory (Dover Books on Mathematics) by Robert B. Ash (PDF)

Description

Developed by Claude Shannon and Norbert Wiener in the late 1940s, information theory, or statistical communication theory, deals with the theoretical underpinnings of a wide range of communication devices: radio, television, radar, computers, telegraphy, and more. This book is an excellent introduction to the mathematics underlying the theory.Designed for upper-level undergraduates and first-year graduate students, the book treats three major areas: analysis of channel models and proof of coding theorems (chapters 3, 7, and 8); study of specific coding systems (chapters 2, 4, and 5); and study of statistical properties of information sources (chapter 6). Among the topics covered are noiseless coding, the discrete memoryless channel, effort correcting codes, information sources, channels with memory, and continuous channels.The author has tried to keep the prerequisites to a minimum. However, students should have a knowledge of basic probability theory. Some measure and Hilbert space theory is helpful as well for the last two sections of chapter 8, which treat time-continuous channels. An appendix summarizes the Hilbert space background and the results from the theory of stochastic processes necessary for these sections. The appendix is not self-contained but will serve to pinpoint some of the specific equipment needed for the analysis of time-continuous channels.In addition to historic notes at the end of each chapter indicating the origin of some of the results, the author has also included 60 problems with detailed solutions, making the book especially valuable for independent study.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This 1990 Dover publication of the original 1965 edition serves as a great introduction to “the statistical communication theory”, otherwise known as Information Theory, a subject which concerns the theoretical underpinnings of a broad class of communication devices. The exposition here is based on the Shannon’s (not Wiener’s) formulation or model of the theory, having been initiated in his breakthrough 1948 paper. I purchased this book more than a couple of years ago as a beginning math grad student mainly interested to (quickly and affordably) learn some basics about the subject, without necessarily intending to specialize in it. The text in my opinion should also be accessible to any engineering student with a one or two semester background in real analysis, and a working knowledge of the theory of probability (also summarized at the beginning of the book). Topics discussed include: noiseless coding, discrete memoryless channels, error correcting codes, information sources, channels with memory, and continuous channels. There are some very illuminating historical notes + remarks, and also problem sets at the end of each chapter, with solutions included at the back of the book, making an ideal setting for self-study. Aside from being a great resource for learning the basics however, one sole setback of the book is that all the results and theorems presented therein date from the 50’s and early 60’s, so one will have to look elsewhere to find out about some of the more recent developments in the field.

⭐Solid math definitions that give good explanation of information theory. Not good for novices.

⭐Classic graduate text on the mathematical theory of communications. This book was written by a mathematician specifically for graduate students in electrical and computer engineering. Both theory and text have stood well the test of time.

⭐Thorough, but not very exciting. Figures, tables and equations are too dense and hard to read.The book is useful and informative, but the format is lagging behind today’s standard. You may be better off spending a few dollars more on a modern book.

⭐good

⭐This is the best book for self-study of information theory which I have found, and I looked hard because I needed to learn the basics of information theory in grad school. As far as content, Ash covers all the major topics in information theory, from definitions of basic quantities like mutual information to the mathematical representation of continuous communication channels. One of the best aspects of the book is a set of problem sets at the end of each chapter, each with detailed solutions at the end of the book. They serve as very useful checks on one’s understanding. As for structure, Ash manages to cover these topics in a way that is concise and illuminating yet without sacrificing mathematical rigour (note that the book assumes you know basic probability theory and calculus). If anyone wants to learn the mathematical theory of communication, I highly recommend using this book as your guide.

⭐I know what you’re saying – Dover books have a reputation for publishing crap books, right? This book is just too cheap to be any good, right? Well, think again. This book is a no nonsense introduction to classical information theory. By no-nonsense I mean it does not have chapters like most books out there on “information and physics”, “information and art”, or all sorts of pseudo scientific popularizations of information theory. It does one thing: present with a minimum of hassle and with a maximum of details and examples the mathematical and conceptual framework of information theory, nothing more, nothing less. On the other hand, it manages to avoid the old “theorem-lemma-corollary” format of many other ultra-dense math books out there. This book actually makes an effort to explain where the math fits in conceptually. When introducing a new concept, it always accompanies the definition with an example. This is even true when proving a complicated theorem. Add to these virtues the interesting problems at the end of each chapter, each with its own detailed solution at the end of the book, and you’ve got a pedagogical gem.It should be noted that the only prerequisite is a prior course in basic probability – conditional probability, Tchebychev’s theorem, simple and basic stuff every 2nd-3rd year undergraduate should be familiar with.If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to information theory, look no further, this is it!

⭐My interest in information theory comes from general physics and philosophy. Ash`s book is doubtless excellent for a communications specialist. What I had hoped for, for example, was something enlightening about the relation between thermodynamic entropy and communication entropy with an explanantion of the position of Boltzmann`s constant betweren the two. Thermal noise according to the Nyquist formula might provide a link. But Nyquist doesn`t get a mention.In short the book was not what I needed. Probably not the author`s fault but if you are not already, or not anxious to be a dedicated communication specialist then beware.

⭐I love this book. I strongly recommend that to anyone (with a background in probability theory ) for self-study.

⭐Livro muito bom, mas tem que ser inicializado pelo livro do autor sobre Probabilidade.very technical to understand

⭐Excelente libro¡ lectura muy recomendable para quien desee explorar el fascinante tema de la teoria de la informacion desde sus origenes.well ..thanks a lot….it’s beyond my expectation and also i dubbed excellent..Keep on doing your work well.wishing you all the best AMAZON

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