Abraham De Moivre: Setting the Stage for Classical Probability and Its Applications

Bellhouse (statistical and actuarial sciences, U. of Western Ontario) unveils the first biography of Moivre (1667-1754), Britain's premier mathematician of the 18th century. Beginning with his early life in France, he progresses through such stages as getting established in England, a Newtonian intermezzo, the doctrine of changes and the doctrine disputed, de Moivre as a teacher, the decade of the doctrine enhanced, and old age. The study is informed by recently discovered papers. A K Peters is an imprint of CRC Press. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)