Statistical analysis of spherical data. (Presentation copy of the First Edition, inscribed by Fisher to Geoffrey S. Watson (1921-1998), who is referred to many times in the text.)

Presentation copy of the First Edition, inscribed by Fisher to Geoffrey S. Watson (1921-1998), who is referred to many times in the text. Original laminated boards. Near Fine. 'This is the first comprehensive, yet clearly presented, account of statistical methods for analysing spherical data. The analysis of data, in the form of directions in space or of positions of points on a spherical surface, is required in many contexts in the earth sciences, astrophysics and other fields, yet the methodology required is disseminated throughout the literature. Statistical Analysis of Spherical Data aims to present a unified and up-to-date account of these methods for practical use. The emphasis is on applications rather than theory, with the statistical methods being illustrated throughout the book by data examples' (Cambridge University Press Web site). R. J. Beran and N. I. Fisher published 'A conversation with Geoff Watson' in Statistical Science (Vol. 13, No. 1, 1998, pp. 75-93). 'Professor Watson's work in probability and statistics was interdisciplinary; he once wrote that the subject 'led me into all sorts of interesting corners of science and the world.' As part of one project, which served as the basis for many public lectures, he traveled to Antarctica with biologists to develop a method for estimating the size of the penguin population. His two papers analyzing the consequences of the repeal of the motorcycle helmet law, written while he was a consultant to the Highway Safety Institute in the early '80s, provoked newspaper editorials and threatening phone calls from bikers. His EPA work evidently caused his name to appear on a Reagan 'hit list,' which described him as a 'smooth but extreme environmentalist' ' ('Professor of Statistics, Emeritus, Geoffrey S. Watson Dies at 76'; Princeton University Office of Communications obituary).…