Since the publication of the by now classical Johnson and Kotz Continuous Multivariate Distributions (Wiley, 1972) there have been substantial developments in multivariate distribution theory especially in the area of non-normal symmetric multivariate distributions. The book by Fang, Kotz and Ng summarizes these developments in a manner which is accessible to a reader with only limited background (advanced real-analysis calculus, linear algebra and elementary matrix calculus). Many of the results in this field are due to Kai-Tai Fang and his associates and appeared in Chinese publications only. A thorough literature search was conducted and the book represents the latest work - as of 1988 - in this rapidly developing field of multivariate distributions. The authors are experts in statistical distribution theory.

This book represents the joint effort of three authors, located thousands of miles apart from one another, and its preparation was greatly facilitated by modern communication technology. lt may serve as an additional example of international co-operation among statisticians specializing in statistical distribution theory. In essence we have attempted to amass and digest widely scattered information on multivariate symmetric distributions which has appeared in the Iiterature during the last two decades. Introductory remarks at the beginning of each chapter summarize its content and clarify the importance and applicability of the distributions discussed in these chapters; it seems unnecessary, therefore, to dwell in this Preface on the content of the volume. It should be noted that this work was initiated by the first author, who provided continuous impetus to the project, and a great many of tbe results presented in tbe book stem from bis own researcb or tbe research of bis associates and students during the last 15 years.

Probability Inequalities in Multivariate Distributions is a comprehensive treatment of probability inequalities in multivariate distributions, balancing the treatment between theory and applications. The book is concerned only with those inequalities that are of types T1-T5. The conditions for such inequalities range from very specific to very general. Comprised of eight chapters, this volume begins by presenting a classification of probability inequalities, followed by a discussion on inequalities for multivariate normal distribution as well as their dependence on correlation coefficients. The reader is then introduced to inequalities for other well-known distributions, including the multivariate distributions of t, chi-square, and F; inequalities for a class of symmetric unimodal distributions and for a certain class of random variables that are positively dependent by association or by mixture; and inequalities obtainable through the mathematical tool of majorization and weak majorization. The book also describes some distribution-free inequalities before concluding with an overview of their applications in simultaneous confidence regions, hypothesis testing, multiple decision problems, and reliability and life testing. This monograph is intended for mathematicians, statisticians, students, and those who are primarily interested in inequalities.

Since the publication of the by now classical Johnson and Kotz Continuous Multivariate Distributions (Wiley, 1972) there have been substantial developments in multivariate distribution theory especially in the area of non-normal symmetric multivariate distributions. The book by Fang, Kotz and Ng summarizes these developments in a manner which is accessible to a reader with only limited background (advanced real-analysis calculus, linear algebra and elementary matrix calculus). Many of the results in this field are due to Kai-Tai Fang and his associates and appeared in Chinese publications only. A thorough literature search was conducted and the book represents the latest work - as of 1988 - in this rapidly developing field of multivariate distributions. The authors are experts in statistical distribution theory.

This book describes the inferential and modeling advantages that this distribution, together with its generalizations and modifications, offers. The exposition systematically unfolds with many examples, tables, illustrations, and exercises. A comprehensive index and extensive bibliography also make this book an ideal text for a senior undergraduate and graduate seminar on statistical distributions, or for a short half-term academic course in statistics, applied probability, and finance.

Almost all the results available in the literature on multivariate t-distributions published in the last 50 years are now collected together in this comprehensive reference. Because these distributions are becoming more prominent in many applications, this book is a must for any serious researcher or consultant working in multivariate analysis and statistical distributions. Much of this material has never before appeared in book form. The first part of the book emphasizes theoretical results of a probabilistic nature. In the second part of the book, these are supplemented by a variety of statistical aspects. Various generalizations and applications are dealt with in the final chapters. The material on estimation and regression models is of special value for practitioners in statistics and economics. A comprehensive bibliography of over 350 references is included.