The Manga Guide to Statistics - New from No Starch Press

Statistics Made Fun with First Title in New Educational Manga Guide Series

San Francisco, CA, October 30, 2008 - Can learning statistics really be fun? It can be when the teacher is a cartoon character.

In The Manga Guide to Statistics (No Starch Press, November 2008, 224 pp, ISBN 9781593271893), the first release in the landmark Manga Guide series from No Starch Press, readers learn real statistics with real manga. Tough concepts like probability, coefficients of correlation, hypothesis testing, and tests of independence come alive with this entertaining yet educational Japanese-style cartoon guide. By combining an engaging story with instructional content, readers master each concept quickly as they learn alongside the story's main characters, Rui and Mr. Yamamoto.

"I'm really excited about bringing this pioneering educational Manga Guide series to the U.S.," said No Starch Press founder William Pollock. "The manga cartoon format turns out to be a remarkable way to open the door to tough subjects like statistics, calculus, physics, and thermodynamics—all topics that will be covered in forthcoming Manga Guides. Readers are drawn through the plot and become a part of the story as they learn tough concepts at the sides of compelling cartoon characters."

This unique take on teaching is charming, easy to read, and will have reluctant students of all ages enjoying statistics. As readers follow along with Mr. Yamamoto's distinctive real-world examples, they learn how to:

• Calculate the mean, median, and standard deviation of bowling scores
• Graph ramen noodle prices on a histogram
• Determine the probability of getting an A on a math test
• Calculate the Cramer's coefficient to determine how boys and girls prefer to be asked out
• Use standard score to adjust test results when teachers grade on a curve

Already a huge success in Japan, the English translation of this Japanese best seller, co-published with Ohmsha Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, retains its authentic Japanese flavor while also being eminently readable and clear. Whether readers are comic book fans or students seeking a new way to penetrate a difficult subject, The Manga Guide to Statistics is sure to both entertain and teach.

For more information, to schedule an interview, or to request a review copy of The Manga Guide to Statistics, contact Travis Peterson at No Starch Press (travis@nostarch.com, +1.415.863.9900, x300), or visit www.nostarch.com.

About the Author
Shin Takahashi graduated from the Graduate School of Design at Kyushu University in Japan. He has worked as a lecturer and data analyst and is currently employed as a technical writer. Takahashi has published several books in the Japanese Manga Guide series, including Statistics-Factor Analysis Edition and Statistics-Regression Analysis Edition (both published by Ohmsha).

About the Manga Guide Series
The Manga Guides cover a multitude of essential scientific and technical subjects like statistics, physics, molecular biology, calculus, electricity, and relativity. Each guide is written by a scientist or mathematician with expertise in the field and illustrated by a professional manga artist and scenario writer, ensuring the authenticity readers demand. The lead title in the series, The Manga Guide to Statistics (9781593271893, November 2008), will be followed by The Manga Guide to Databases (9781593271909, December 2008), The Manga Guide to Calculus (9781593271947, March 2009), and The Manga Guide to Physics (9781593271961, April 2009). No Starch Press projects at least eight titles in this new series by the end of 2009.

About No Starch Press
Founded in 1994, No Starch Press is one of the few remaining independent technical book publishers. We publish the finest in geek entertainment—unique books on technology, with a focus on Open Source, security, hacking, programming, alternative operating systems, and LEGO. Our titles have personality, our authors are passionate, and our books tackle topics that people care about. See www.nostarch.com for a complete catalog.

About Ohmsha
Founded in 1914, Ohmsha, Ltd. is a science and engineering book publisher based in Japan. In addition to publishing dozens of titles a year in Japan, Ohmsha is also active in foreign projects, including co-publications with major publishers in Europe, North America, and Asia, and joint ventures with major international publishers. With the aim of contributing to the development and progress of science and technology in Japan, Ohmsha established The Promotion Foundation for Electrical Science and Engineering in 1951; through this foundation, the OHM Technology Award is given every year to those who have made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering.

About O'Reilly
O'Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O'Reilly Media has been a chronicler and catalyst of cutting-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying "faint signals" from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism.