This informative monograph provides a detailed introduction to statistical spectroscopy, a technique that combines the best aspects of the shell-model microscopic approach with the purely statistical approaches used in certain nuclear reaction theories and random matrix studies. This handbook describes statistical spectroscopy in language that enables the nonspecialist to grasp the matter easily, and at the same time gathers the most important techniques in one place, making this book a valuable reference for nuclear physicists interested in applying this method to their research.

This book a first comprehensive review on statistical spectroscopy deals with two related yet distinct topics a" averages and fluctuations. While fluctuations have been dealt with in considerable detail in Porter's book entitled Statistical Theories of Spectra: Fluctuations and subsequent reviews and books there does not exist at present a similar treatise on averages. This unique volume is designed to fill this significant gap.The book begins with an introductory review and overview of the subject of spectral distributions initiated by J Bruce French in the 60's followed by a collection of original papers which continue to give new insight on average properties of spectra. The purpose is to highlight the considerable advancements made in the application of statistical spectroscopy to nuclear structure and to encourage new directions in random matrix theory many-body chaos and statistical mechanics of finite quantum systems such as nuclei atoms molecules quantum dots etc.Along with Wong's book entitled Nuclear Statistical Spectroscopy this volume would be useful to a reader looking for a thorough introduction to the subject as well as to the specialist contemplating new applications. Finally with most of the material available in one place this book would be ideal in the design of graduate courses in statistical spectroscopy suited to specific needs.

This volume is a collection of invited talks, oral contributions and poster contributions devoted to advances in gamma-ray spectroscopy of various capture reactions. In agreement with the trend of previous meetings in the series, the symposium paid special attention to theoretical and experimental studies of nuclear structure at low energies and to nuclear astrophysics. Among the other topics covered are: statistical properties of nuclei and other quantum many-body systems, fundamental physics, nuclear data, practical application of capture reactions, and new techniques and facilities for capture gamma-ray spectroscopy.