B.D.Ripley 著名的統計學傢，牛津大學應用統計教授。他在空間統計學、模式識彆領域作齣瞭重要貢獻，對S的開發以及S-PLUSUS和R的推廣應用有著重要影響。20世紀90年代他齣版瞭人工神經網絡方麵的著作，影響很大，引導統計學者開始關注機器學習和數據挖掘。除本書外，他還著有Modern Applied Statistics with S和S Programming。

Now in paperback: the most reliable account of the statistical framework for pattern recognition and machine learning. With unparalleled coverage and a wealth of case-studies this book gives valuable insight into both the theory and the enormously diverse applications (which can be found in remote sensing, astrophysics, engineering and medicine, for example). So that readers can develop their skills and understanding, many of the real data sets used in the book are available from the author's website: www.stats.ox.ac.uk/~ripley/PRbook/. For the same reason, many examples are included to illustrate real problems in pattern recognition. Unifying principles are highlighted, and the author gives an overview of the state of the subject, making the book valuable to experienced researchers in statistics, machine learning/artificial intelligence and engineering. The clear writing style means that the book is also a superb introduction for non-specialists.