The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining, Inference, and Prediction

by Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani, and Jerome Friedman
The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining, Inference, and Prediction cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Technical
  • ID: 5226
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
blackwells.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-23
great 4.50

The reviewer revisits 'Childhood's End' after 20 years and finds it even more impressive, praising its prescient themes and haunting conclusion. The book's exploration of humanity's future and the role of the Overlords leaves a lasting impact.

The reviewer initially enjoyed 'Childhood's End' as a child but had vague memories of the plot. Upon rereading, they found it to be one of the greatest science-fiction novels, appreciating its plot twist and deeper themes. The book's predictions about technology and society, such as birth control and DNA testing, were noted as eerily accurate. The middle part dragged slightly, but the haunting conclusion and the exploration of humanity's future left a lasting impression. The Overlords' role and the non-linear nature of time added to the book's unsettling yet fascinating narrative.

Quick quotes

    The plot twist that blew my mind as a kid still works, sort of like a Twilight Zone punchline.

    The Overlords, who explain that they have witnessed this same phenomenon occur many times with many species, simply move on to their next assignment.

    If you enjoy science-fiction at all, and given that you are reading this I presume that you do, then this book is a must-read.

books.google.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
thoughtful 3.75

The Elements of Statistical Learning is a classic in the field of statistical learning, known for its depth and breadth of ideas. It is a challenging read but highly rewarding for those interested in data mining, inference, and prediction. The book is not light on characterization but heavy on ideas, making it a thought-provoking and insightful resource.

The Elements of Statistical Learning is a seminal work that has significantly influenced the field of statistical learning. Published in 1953, it remains a classic due to its profound exploration of data mining, inference, and prediction. The book is known for its dense and complex content, which can be challenging for some readers. However, its depth of ideas and thought-provoking concepts make it a highly rewarding read. The book is not characterized by light storytelling but rather by its heavy focus on ideas, making it a valuable resource for those interested in statistical learning. Despite its age, the book's revelations and impact on humanity are still compelling, making it well worth the time investment.

Quick quotes

    The Elements of Statistical Learning is a classic of science fiction since its publication in 1953 and has been very influential in the genre.

    This fairly short, stand alone novel is light on characterization but heavy on ideas.

    It is about reflecting on both our past and our future, and in that area there are many well developed ideas and a fascinating future scenario.

librarysearch.manchester.ac.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-23
good 3.50

The reviewer found 'Childhood's End' to be a classic science fiction novel with some dated elements, but praised its ideas and themes that stand the test of time. They noted the book's simplistic characters and politics, but overall considered it a worthwhile read for science fiction enthusiasts.

The reviewer admitted to not having read much classic science fiction but decided to read 'Childhood's End' due to its reputation and an upcoming miniseries. They found the book to be somewhat simplistic with shallow characters and dated politics, but appreciated its enduring ideas. The reviewer noted that the book's vision of the future was interesting, though sometimes inaccurate, and criticized its portrayal of women and race. Despite these flaws, they found the book to be an excellent read for science fiction lovers, focusing more on ideas than characters or plot. The reviewer also expressed concern that the upcoming adaptation would not do the book justice.

Quick quotes

    It’s an excellent novel, a fairly quick read, and has some ideas that stand the test of time really well.

    The thing about 'Childhood’s End', though, is that it’s really not a character-driven book.

    I can’t tell if 'Childhood’s End' is profoundly optimistic about humanity or if it’s deeply pessimistic, but it’s definitely given me some things to think about.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2001-01-01
brilliant 5.00

They loved 'Childhood's End' and found it epic, covering over a century with beautiful, surreal dreams and intelligent biblical themes. The book's predictions about the future were interesting, though some were off the mark, and they appreciated the characters and utopian changes described.

They loved 'Childhood's End' and found it to be an epic story that spans over a century. The book's surreal dreams and intelligent use of biblical themes were particularly enjoyable. The characters, such as Karellen and Stormgren, were well-developed and added depth to the narrative. The predictions about the future were interesting, though some were not accurate, highlighting how difficult it is to foresee the future. The utopian changes described in the book were also appreciated, and they wished they could see them in the real world. Overall, they found 'Childhood's End' to be their favorite Arthur C. Clarke novel so far.

Quick quotes

    They loved the way Clarke has embedded biblical themes, images and characters in the story

    It is amazing how science fiction writers and futurists got all the small stuff wrong, while their big predictions still feels futuristic.

    The planets you may one day possess. But the stars are not for Man

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