Description
1965 printing. Hardcover has significant wear, discoloration, scuffs and marks throughout. No dust jacket. Spine has tears on the top and bottom and heavy wear. Binding is secure. Pages are clean and largely unmarked aside from some small marks on some pages. Readable copy.
This well-worn yet readable first edition of “The Odd Book of Data” by R. Houwink offers a glimpse into the quirky world of mathematics and data in the mid-20th century. Published in 1965, this book predates the widespread use of computers and digital data, making it a fascinating time capsule of how mathematicians and scientists approached data analysis and problem-solving in the pre-digital era. Despite its age and wear, the secure binding and largely unmarked pages allow readers to immerse themselves in Houwink’s unique perspective and explore the odd, unconventional data sets and mathematical curiosities he presents. For collectors, this copy represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of mathematical history, a tangible artifact from a time when data analysis was a more manual and idiosyncratic endeavor. Houwink’s eccentric approach to data and mathematics, combined with the book’s scarcity and vintage charm, make this a must-have for enthusiasts of mathematical oddities and those interested in the evolution of data analysis techniques.